STOCK Exchange Hotel, six years in the making, will officially open its doors on Friday, November 15, it has been announced. As an appetiser the team behind it – Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and hotelier Winston Zahra – have released CGI images that convince they are really doing justice to this Grade II listed Edwardian Baroque edifice.
We were already excited by the prospect of Tom Kerridge’s food being served in the ornately decorated former Stock Exchange Floor but that’s just part of a package that bears the Relais & Chateaux stamp. It’s the first time a Manchester hotel or restaurant has been a member of this exclusive worldwide association of high end establishments.
GG Hospitality CEO Zahra (main picture left with Giggs, Neville and CEO Stewart Davies) told us: “We are honoured to be the first ever Relais & Châteaux member in Manchester and one of the first properties in the 65 year history of the fellowship to become a member before its doors open.
“This is testament to all of the work the team has been doing behind the scenes. We have put a great amount of effort into ensuring the design for the property truly respects the history of the building.
“The values and foundations of Relais & Châteaux to protect and defend local arts of living are are reflected in every detail of our offering and we are committed to preserving an important part of Manchester’s heritage, while offering quality service in an exceptional setting.”
Relais & Châteaux has fewer than 600 members worldwide. Standout hotels and restaurants under their umbrella in the UK include Gidleigh Park. Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons, Le Gavroche and The Waterside Bray. The nearest to Manchester are Northcote near Whalley and Gilpin in The Lakes.
The former Stock Exchange building on Norfolk Street is a striking example of Edwardian architecture and is currently being meticulously transformed into a boutique hotel which will offer a collection of 40 rooms, including two signature suites and a stunning 3,500 square foot penthouse residence. It will be managed and operated by an offshoot of Manchester based GG Hospitality, whose co-founders Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs purchased the building in 2013.
At the launch briefing Gary explained that their vision was to bring the building back to life: “We knew the Stock Exchange well from when it was a restaurant but it was only when we viewed it in its entirety that we realised the extent of the history there.
“Most people familiar with the building will know of the domed ceiling above the old trading room floor, but there are many other original features that will not have been seen by many, such as fireplaces, vaults and stained glass windows. For us it was critical that this heritage was protected, and it now sits at the heart of what we hope will be an exciting new concept for Manchester.”
Philippe Gombert, President of Relais & Châteaux said: "I am deeply convinced that Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Winston Zahra will revive Stock Exchange and its history in a remarkable way. This is a perfect example of what Relais & Châteaux is: properties anchored in their region, ambassadors of their heritage, but also passionate about their craft and deeply committed to forging warm, lasting relationships with their guests."
Internationally renowned design studio Autoban have combined a light palette of colours, with luxurious materials, original marble, brass, glass and woodwork.
The Bradshaw, John Gass and Arthur Hope room collections pay respect to the architects who originally designed the Portland stone building which opened in 1906, alongside the Kent and Norfolk suite collections.
The hotel also includes two signature suites – the two-bedroom ‘1906’ on the newly constructed fourth floor of the building and ‘The Boardroom Suite’ (above), accessed via a private staircase off the main lobby of the hotel, is located in the original boardroom, whose original features include marble pillars, wood panelling, an ornamental fireplace and, stained glass windows. The small fitness room is new!
Finally on the top floor, ‘The House’ is an exclusive, fully serviced penthouse with its own panoramic roof terrace, ideal for both short and long term residency. It offers three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, a kitchen, breakfast bar, two separate lounge areas, a bar and dining room. Oh, yes, and a fitness room.
ToM, of course, had to ask about the food and drink offering at the heart of the project. Curated by our namesake (sic) Tom Kerridge, appropriately a Manchester United fan, the restaurant and bar will be housed under the magnificent domed space, which for decades was the trading floor of the Stock Exchange. It has been designed to be a social space where people can enjoy quality food in a relaxed atmosphere.
Gary emphasised the Kerridge menus would offer real quality but not be aimed at the level that earned his flagship pub,The Hand and Flowers, in Marlow, Bucks two Michelin stars. Original plans for the hotel had included a more ambitious top floor restaurant but formal 'fine dining' was no longer part of the Stock Exchange experience.
In addition to this, private dining and a variety of events will be catered for within The Vault and The Bank. The Vault sits in the lower ground floor of the building and will offer events for up to 120 people. The Bank, with its own private entrance off Norfolk Street and its own wine cellar, will offer private dining experiences for up to 14 people in an intimate environment.
Bedroom prices start from £160, suites from £320 and signature suites from £650 per night. The House, starts from £1,750 per night, priced depending on the length of stay.
The hotel is taking room bookings now for dates from 15th November 2019. For more information on Stock Exchange Hotel, to book a room or enquire about an event, visit www.stockexchangehotel.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 0161 470 3901.