Nestled in the heart of Manchester, the Kimpton Clocktower Hotel stands as a beacon of luxury and family-friendly hospitality. Voted one of the must-visit destinations for 2024 by The New York Times, Manchester is a city brimming with culture, art, and entertainment, making it an ideal spot for a family getaway.
The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, with its iconic red terracotta facade, has been a significant part of Manchester’s skyline since 1890. Originally the headquarters of The Refuge Assurance Company, this Grade II listed building has been meticulously restored to offer a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Its 270 loft-style bedrooms and suites provide a unique and comfortable stay, with the hotel’s attention to detail ensuring every guest feels special.
Families are particularly well-catered for at the Kimpton Clocktower. Upon arrival, we were greeted by some lovely welcome gifts that contained something for the grown-ups and some fun items for the little ones.
The hotel offers interconnecting and ‘Double Double’ rooms, perfect for keeping everyone together. The special Family Package is a highlight, featuring free ice cream and seasonal treats that delight both children and adults alike.
This commitment to family-friendly service has earned the hotel a spot in Alice Tate’s new book, British Family Escapes: A Guidebook to the Best UK Family Holidays.
Beyond the rooms, the hotel’s concierge services are designed to make every stay memorable. Guests can enjoy curated music playlists, a personalized plant collection, and even pet treats, ensuring that every member of the family, including furry friends, feels at home.
The Kimpton Clocktower is ideally located next to the Palace Theatre and within walking distance of Manchester’s main attractions. Whether exploring the vibrant local eateries, quirky cocktail bars, or the nearby galleries and museums, there’s something for everyone. For those looking to venture further, famous venues like the O2 Apollo, AO Arena, and the iconic Old Trafford and Etihad Stadiums are just a short trip away.
Dining at the hotel is an experience in itself. The Refuge bar and restaurant offers a diverse menu, from eclectic small plates with international flavours to hearty Sunday roasts, ensuring that every meal is a culinary delight.
Dinner at The Refuge began with Pollen Bakery sourdough & cultured butter closely followed by Korean fried chicken wings with a spicy gochujang glaze.
The chicken wings brought a taste of Korea to the start of our culinary journey at The Refuge in Manchester.
Pre-dinner cocktails were another highlight of the evening. Who could resist a classic Old Fashioned or a refreshing Elderflower Spritz?
For the mains (or Bigger Scran as they like to call it in Manchester), the 12oz dry-aged English rib-eye was the star of the show. Served just the way we like it with a rich béarnaise sauce and skin-on chips as accompaniments.
Another highlight of the Bigger Scran menu was “R Lukes” Cumbrian lamb with mint. The lamb was juicy and tender and had been cooked to perfection.
For a hint of Spanish flavour, we chose the Patatas Bravas with sofrito & aioli as one of the sides.
Another delicious side was the Grilled tenderstem broccoli with romesco sauce garnished with a smattering of seeds.
More cocktails followed to quench the thirst and tantalise the taste buds.
For those with a sweet tooth, desserts must not be missed at The Refuge. Sticky toffee pudding with orange-miso caramel and milk ice cream elevated this much-loved classic dessert to new heights.
Another sweet treat on the Dessert Menu was the Chocolate brownie with cherry ice cream, Maraschino & Griottine. It was an excellent combination of flavours and textures. With our culinary journey almost over, it was nearly time to retire to our spacious family room for the night.
Families who enjoyed a staycation at Kimpton Clocktower in August had access to a whole host of wonderful extras at no extra charge. First up was the Kids Breakfast Buffet. Served in Refuge, it featured a line up of delicious culinary delights including, Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes, Sweet Belgian Waffles, Miniature Chocolate Muffins, Seasonal Fruit Salad plus, everyone’s favourite, Nutella!
On weekends in August, those who fancied an afternoon chillout, kicked back and took a seat in Kimpton’s Cinema Room where from 4pm to 6pm, children enjoyed mocktails from the Post Room Bar before watching a classic.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is not just a place to stay but a destination in itself, offering a perfect blend of luxury, history, and family-friendly amenities in the heart of Manchester. For the latest family-friendly offers, make sure you check out the hotel’s website before making your reservation.
Kimpton Clocktower Hotel
Oxford Street, Manchester M60 7HA
+44 (0)161 288 1111
www.kimptonclocktowerhotel.com
