There’s something so special about staying in a boutique hotel: a sense of exclusivity, that you’re experiencing something few people have before and the service being that bit more personal. I experienced all these things during a cosy stay at Manchester’s latest boutique hotel Forty-Seven.
Where is Forty-Seven in Manchester?
Located in the heart of the city the hotel is within the Grade-II listed Forty-Seven Peter Street, a former shipping warehouse named Lancashire House, which sits on the corner of Peter Street and Southmill Street. It was designed by the Manchester architectural practice of Walters, Barker and Ellis and built-in 1868. Despite such a history the front of the building is in keeping with the ever-expanding and modern Manchester food and dining scene and is easily spotted with its chic exterior signage on Peter Street.
Checking in to luxury hotels
When checking into hotels I like when staff have a warmth about them, rather than the sometimes robotic greeting and seamless process that most people just wish was over quickly so they can go to their room. The very positive Bradley checked me in and I immediately felt the excitement of staying somewhere new. Telling me all the standard information such as when breakfast is and the wifi password, he gushed at what a wonderful stay I was going to have. He was thrilled I had a table reserved for dinner that night at the hotel’s restaurant Asha but insisted we try a cocktail or two in the bar first. How on earth could I refuse?
The rooms at Forty-Seven
With cosy rooms for one as well as family suites the hotel caters for those staying for one night to those wanting longer stays with all the facilities within the suite such as a kitchen area and living space.
I stayed in a two-bedroom duplex suite with its own stunning high-bar and comfortable seating area for relaxing, These rooms have two bedrooms both with king-size beds, one ensuite bathroom, smart Samsung televisions, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, Lutron lighting system to create the perfect setting for your needs and to close or open the black-out blinds without needing to move from bed (which was an absolute joy in the morning on a rare day when the sun was shining in Manchester.
What I loved most about my room was the gorgeous colours of the upholstery and furnishings such as teal, gold and mustard yellow and the contrast with the original features of the brick walls and exposed steel beams. The modern touches seamlessly blend in with the history and character of the building.
Where can a girl get a drink around here?
Even if you are not a drinker, a visit to The Peterman, the hotel’s bar, is most definitely recommended. Inside is a haven of luxury where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and afternoon bites, with a cocktail menu that features a refreshing take on classics and a range of signature cocktails. With such a vast selection to choose from we enlisted the help of the very knowledgeable barman Ryan, who knew much more than just his way around a spicy margarita.
With a passion for local heritage and the building itself as well as its role in Manchester’s history, Ryan was able to give us a history lesson as we sipped on some of the most delightful cocktails and mocktails. From the suffragettes to the Peterloo Massacre, we were fascinated to hear about the characters that shaped Manchester’s history which now had cocktails named after them in The Peterman such as ‘Wise William of Withington, Ambitious Annie of Ardwick and Naughty Nick of Northenden’’. I opted for the Mad Matt of Moston, a vodka, passionfruit and Aperol-based cocktail that was a fresh and fruity delight.
Ashas Restaurant
Named after the Bollywood legend Asha Bhosle, Asha‘s menu is just as bold, colourful and interesting as her life. To review it in short for you, it’s one of the few restaurants I’ve tried in Manchester that I can’t wait to go back to.
Had I been hungrier I would definitely have ordered more off the menu but on this occasion, I was very reserved. We started with a bottle of wine from Gary Barlow’s vineyard (it’s nice to see them supporting a Manchester local’s business!) poppadoms and dips (you simply have to right? They’re too good to ignore) then opted for a classic butter chicken curry, Karahi Gosht consisting of tender pieces of lamb sauteed in a tomato and onion gravy, pilau rice, an absolutely delicious cucumber and chickpea chaat salad and one of the loveliest garlic naan bread I’ve ever eaten, one which I was tempted not to share it was that good.
The menu is so inviting it’s hard to choose what to have, with sharing platters, kebabs, speciality curries and an array of Indian street food small plates I’m simply going to have to visit more in order to try it all. And I will…
Bed and Breakfast in Manchester
As mentioned earlier I woke up to a beautifully sunny day in Manchester which got me up and raring to seize the day. A fabulous breakfast awaited me in the Peterman Bar, with a choice of continental options like pastries, fruits and cereals to the more filling full English with turkey bacon and chicken sausages and classic Indian breakfasts like Anda Dal Tadka and Shakshuka. I remember I took a photo of my glass of fresh orange juice because it was just perfect, but it was just one of the memorable little touches that made this stay worthwhile.
Is it worth booking a room at Forty-Seven?
Sometimes a room’s decor can be questionable but the bed is comfy so you forgive it. Sometimes the food at the restaurant is sensational but the service is poor so it lets it down. At Forty-Seven I enjoyed every aspect from the warm greeting of the host to the ambience of the restaurant and had a wonderful night’s sleep, enabling me to enjoy my day in Manchester thanks to the hotel’s central location. A memorable experience I would definitely recommend it to those who love a hotel with character.
Forty-Seven
47 Peter Street
Manchester
M2 3NG
United Kingdom
