Taking a city break is a fantastic way to rejuvenate your mind and soul. Unlike longer holidays, city breaks are short and sweet, making them perfect for those with busy schedules.
They offer an exciting escape from the daily grind without requiring extensive planning or time off work. One of my favourite cities to take a short break in is the cultural melting pot that is Manchester.
It might be the wrong side of the Pennines (Yorkshire being the right side) but it has a lot to offer when it comes to entertainment with a plethora of things to do and see. The birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Manchester boasts a fascinating history with iconic landmarks such as the Manchester Town Hall and the Museum of Science and Industry. Today, it is renowned for its thriving music scene, having produced legendary bands like Oasis – a fact that seems particularly apt right now!
The city is also home to two world-famous football clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City, which add to its global appeal and football fans worldwide visit the city for precisely this reason. With an array of shops, restaurants, and bars in areas like Northern Quarter and Spinningfields, along with significant cultural institutions like the Whitworth Art Gallery and HOME arts center, Manchester seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary vitality.
My friend and I spent the weekend in Manchester over the summer, a quick hop skip and jump from Leeds, we were there in no time and our home for the weekend, The Reach at Piccadilly was easy to find and well located centrally in the city adjacent to the calm of the Rochdale Canal yet within easy reach of shopping streets, bars and restaurants and other popular attractions. In fact, the hotel is located on Ducie Street, for those of you that remember the legendary ‘Home’ nightclub, boy I feel old…
Normally we would take full advantage of the excellent shopping on offer in Manchester, but on this occasion we were after a bit of R+R so we were delighted to be greeted by a friendly reception team immaculately turned out in tweed attire. We were checked in seamlessly and shown to our well-appointed double deluxe room comprising all the bells and whistles one would expect from an upscale city centre hotel. Subtle and relaxing hues combined with opulent bedding, a beautifully clean bathroom with a power shower and luxury bathing products and a coffee bar stuffed with quality hot beverages and delicious sweet treats all make for a rather swish stay.
We took an hour to decompress in the room, enjoying a rather nice glass of bubbles by the window and mulling over our plans for the afternoon – we decided on a wander to Canal Street and a few afternoon drinks – the bars and restaurants in Manchester are always busy and vibrant and we definitely enjoyed a few tipples and the convivial weekend atmosphere!
Alas, we are not night owls and as the weather broke into heavy showers, we headed back to the haven of The Reach and its delightful restaurant Lock 84, to enjoy an early supper. Lock 84 is certainly the jewel in the crown of this hotel with a superb offering of delicious dishes served in beautiful surroundings with wonderful views along the canal.
The food offering here is right up my street with a plethora of tasty small plates to choose from, starting with locally baked bread served with whipped butter and smoked almonds – delish! We then shared smoked pancetta and tomato arancini – tasty and moist rice balls with a rich pesto and sprinkling of parmesan, we also opted for the whipped hummus with sourdough bread, some succulent glazed ribs, gnocchi with garlic and mushrooms, smoked mackerel pate and my favourite dish, delicate cod cheeks with a zingy lemon mayo – oh my gosh, this food was so tasty and so well presented!
I would highly recommend the food at The Reach, we sometimes dismiss hotel restaurants in favour of well-known more established eateries, but this is a dining destination and hopefully, the word is out! I must mention also – the staff here are incredibly good, attentive but not intrusive and always on hand with a recommendation – like the strawberry and lemon Eton mess and the salted caramel brownie – I don’t normally go in for dessert but on this occasion, I was more than happy to dig in. We finished the evening with a perfectly served espresso Martini and hit the hay feeling fit to burst!
Breakfast is another food lovers fanfare with a beautifully presented buffet of continental offerings and a menu of hot options served to order. Sadly we were still full from the night before so we simply enjoyed a cup of coffee and a flick through the Sunday papers. Bliss.
The Reach is the perfect base for a city break in Manchester, the hotel is pretty much brand new having only opened back in July, but apart from the ‘very new’ feel to the rooms and public spaces, you would imagine it had been there some time as it seems to operate like a well-oiled machine! It is well located to enjoy all the city has to offer, but also provides a serene haven away from the bustling bars to enjoy delicious food in sumptuous surroundings.
Book your stay at The Reach at Piccadilly and make sure to book a table in Lock 84, do not miss that brownie! Tell them I sent you.
The Reach at Piccadilly: 7 Ducie St, Manchester M1 2JB
Call: 0161 383 0033
Words by Joanne Brook-Smith
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