Marketing Manchester and Rich J Jones
Motel One Royal Exchange is a great choice if you want to make the most of the city while enjoying a romantic Manchester break. If shopping is on the agenda, you’ll be spoiled for choice nearby with the Arndale centre – it boasts every high street label you can imagine – and King Street with all its high end, luxury shops.
Take a wander from the hotel down to Sunset by Australasia – one of the city’s most exciting new bars – for beach vibes whatever the weather. It has a pale pink interior that is just asking to be photographed, satisfying my appetite, and plenty of tasty treats to satisfy his. You can enjoy a modern Asian take on afternoon tea here, with impressive Instagrammable cocktails and sweet and savoury bento box.
During the day we headed to the John Rylands Library. I often look for a library or a bookshop when I explore a new city. Many of them are found in beautiful old buildings, and John Rylands is no exception. It’s filled with Harry Potter-esque gargantuan stone staircases and an ancient reading room that looks like a church. I drag my boyfriend to places like this because I love a dreamy ancient space, but it’s hard not to find the romance in such a setting.
Cake is always big on the agenda for us when it comes to a treat-filled city break. As is an indulgent dinner. So to The Hawksmoor we go, it’s just a short walk from Motel One and boasts a mouthwatering chateaubriand to share; what’s more romantic than tearing into some great food together?
Appetites more than satisfied, we head for a nightcap at 20 Stories, just a short walk from The Hawksmoor. The bar and restaurant sits on the 19th floor, so it serves up some of the best views in Manchester along with a fine list of cocktails to sip on with your beau.