A Wealth of History at Stock Exchange Hotel

Manchester

Nestled in an unassuming side road uniting Market Street and King Street, you’ll stumble across the Baroque grandeur of Stock Exchange Hotel. Housed within the historic Portland Stone of Manchester’s former Stock Exchange, the sweeping façade of this Grade II listed building reveals a snapshot of its storied past. The hotel is comprised of 40 lavish rooms, each a testament to the rich heritage embedded within its walls. Restored Edwardian Baroque architecture incorporating marble, brass and woodwork achieves a sophisticated maximalist aesthetic, blending aged elegance with modern comfort.

The hotel is an alluring escape into history, offering plush furnishings that invite guests to settle in, taking in the architectural journey through time that surrounds them. Every detail reflects the care and vision that went into revitalising this spirited landmark, bringing its legacy to life once more. Not just renowned for its star-studded ownership, purchased by football icons Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs and hotel mogul Winston Zahra back in 2015, Stock Exchange Hotel has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional comfort and impeccable upkeep.

After arriving to the hotel and checking-in myself and my guest were guided to a tranquil side room to enjoy a welcome glass of bubbles and unwind after our journey – a thoughtful touch of hospitality whilst our bags were moved up to our room.

Once thirst was quenched, our host kindly offered a tour of the building, drawing attention to the subtle historical embellishments woven into the fabric of the interior design: decorative floor plans, vintage photographs, and artefacts that cleverly combine the building’s historical legacy with a modern flair. Yet the pièce de résistance resides below ground at the Sterling Bar, stowed away in the building’s former bank vault. This hidden gem offers finely crafted cocktails in an intimate, dimly lit setting that feels worlds away from the bustling city streets above.

Arthur Hope Collection Room

Winding through the corridors to our room, we were met with individual vault-style doors, perfectly aligned in a stunning visual mirror image. Entering our Arthur Hope Collection Room, we were greeted by a beautiful blend of integrated greens and soft neutrals. The plush furnishings, embellished with gold accents, delivered an air of refined luxury throughout the spacious 35-square-metre area.

Deep walnut wood and opulent gold details gave a sophistication to the room, with plush furnishings that invited indulgent comfort. The space offered all the necessary furnishings for a haven to return to after a weekend jaunt around the city. The grand king-size bed, framed by an impressive wooden headboard, was the ultimate invitation to unwind, while a spacious desk provided ample room to arrange our essentials for a night out in the city.

Access to complimentary bathrobes didn’t go amiss as we immediately situated ourselves in inner-city sanctuary for the mind and body. The bathroom, complete with ornate monochromatic marble, was equipped with all the necessary amenities, including plush towels and walk-in standing shower.

tender by Niall Keating

Serving comfort cuisine across weekday brasserie lunches, à la carte dinners, and elegant afternoon teas, tender by Niall Keating offers an elevated experience in a high-end hotel restaurant. Achieving a Michelin Green Star under the guidance of Keating, who earned two Michelin stars before 30, tender celebrates the art of flavour and the visual appeal of a beautifully crafted plate. Recognised as one of the UK's youngest chefs to achieve dual Michelin stars, Keating’s culinary approach focuses on rich flavours and exquisite presentation, delivering a feast for both the eyes and palate.

Situated on the old trading floor, the spacious dining room boasts high ceilings and an open kitchen—a feature that adds an element of theatre, allowing diners to see the masters of their craft at work and offering the ultimate kitchen-to-table dining experience.

Blending contemporary British, Asian and French cuisine, the menu showcases high-quality seasonal ingredients that highlight the chefs’ craftsmanship and quality of the produce. Included in our stay was the breakfast service, (Monday to Friday 07:00 to 10:00, and weekends from 08:00 to 10:30), an inviting setting for starting the day after a comfortable night of rest and recuperation.

I opted for the middle eastern plate, featuring two perfectly poached eggs atop a base of fresh roasted garlic yogurt, finished with a drizzle of chilli butter, herb oil, and nut dukkah, rounded together with a charred sourdough. This unique twist on traditional poached eggs and toast delivered a unique option for those with savoury preferences. My guest chose the home pressed waffle with nutella & fresh fruits—a seductively sweet alternative that delighted in flavour and delivered indulgence in an atmosphere of quiet elegance.

As midday hit, we returned to the dining room for tender’s signature Sunday lunch, served exclusively from 13:00 to 17:30. Sat in the spacious dining room and sipping to the symphony of the weekly string trio, the pleasantly calming atmosphere made for a memorable dining experience. Performing modern interpretations of popular hits, the hypnotic musicians backed on to the functional, open-kitchen—a truly unique concept. Working to the symphonies of well-known pop classics from Coldplay to Pharrell Williams, the violins and cello casted a sophisticated vision of culinary expertise with each note.

Presentation appeared in the form of a sharing concept, with trimmings that included creamy, mustard-infused cheesy cauliflower, simply grilled vegetables, Yorkshire puddings, and a rich, aromatic gravy. The warming heat of mustard from the cauliflower complemented the indulgent, perfectly crisped potatoes, while the fresh vegetables were simply cooked to release the utmost flavour. My guest chose the roast sirloin of beef, which arrived in a mouthwateringly pink medium-rare—the hallmark of a quality roast. I opted for the roast chicken, served as a juicy roulade and seasoned to perfection, with additional trimmings on the side. Delivering an elevated, intimate sharing concept, packed with flavour and indulgently filling, the high-end take on traditional comfort food was both heartwarmingly familiar yet impressively refined.

For dessert, we rounded out our meal with a nod to nostalgia. The elevated take on a traditional jam roly-poly pudding and custard arrived piping hot and oozing sweetness—a delightful indulgence. Its counterpart, a rich chocolate mousse with raspberry, lime and mint sorbet, provided a vibrant balance, delivering a refreshing, mojito-like burst of acidity. Each dessert brought something unique, concluding our Sunday lunch experience and leaving us thoroughly satisfied and delightfully spoiled.