Studio aparthotel Whitworth Locke in Manchester played host to Craig Hough

Nightlife. Music. Football. Manchester really does do things differently. Whitworth Locke has taken Tony Wilson’s words to heart and created a fun and creative aparthotel around a spectacular central glass atrium that offers its guests a third wave coffee house, a gorgeous pop-up cocktail bar, an immersive co-working spaces and even a crossfit gym.

Location

Princess Street in central Manchester is where you’ll find Whitworth Locke. It’s mere minutes away from both Oxford Road and Manchester Piccadilly Station if you’re making your way by train. The area is surrounded by an eclectic array of bars (Refuge, Kampus) and restaurants (including the newly opened Maya, The Beeswing), a host of galleries and is also next door to the city’s vibrant Gay Village.

Design

Previously a cotton mill, the venue has been transformed by acclaimed New York architects and designers Grzywinski+Pons to reflect the city’s culture, taking inspiration from its industrial past and progressive present. The team has combined elements of lux in interiors, textiles and colourways with the use of sage, taupe’s, apricots and terracotta, complemented by dark tones to reflect the Manchester sky resulting in the feel of noir luxury.

Rooms

Each studio and suite is designed to revolve around Locke’s designer living spaces, offering guests plenty of space and comfort. The set up for my room lends itself to those working away, with ample space to work, create in the kitchen and unwind at night. The room came with cocktail maker if you're creative in that way. If, like me, you're not, there's a fully functioning bar downstairs waiting for you. The kitchen was well equipped with everything you need for a short stay and there are coffee/tea facilities available downstairs near reception. Rooms are done out in blush pink with brass finishes on bedside tables, window sills and even the coat hangers. The bathroom was modern and perfectly sized for a short stay.

Foundation Coffee

Manchester’s renowned Foundation Coffee hosts FDN Whitworth within the Whitworth Locke building on the ground floor. I visited on a Saturday morning and neary every table was taken. The crowd was incredibly mixed, with young friends meeting up for coffees to families enjoying breakfast together. The venue run weekly cinema nights and serves up some calorific shakes  and some of the best coffee the city has to offer.

The Locker Room

The hotel also has its own crossfit gym, The Locker Room. The premium fitness space includes equipment focused on bodyweight exercise, a hydration and cool down space and regular complimentary classes for guests, including yoga and guided meditation. Smoked mirrors wrap around the studio to create an optimum environment for exercise.

Our Experience

From the moment you enter Whitworth Locke, you feel very a relaxed vibe. On reception, friendly host Rebecca checked me in with no hassle and suggested several places to visit whilst I was in town. Past reception was a large, relaxed co-working space, with lots of heads buried in laptops, which was a great find in a busy city. At night, the reception area turned into a DJ booth, and laptops were quickly replaced for cocktails. This perfectly placed city centre aparthotel connects communities of like-minded locals, workers and travellers. Book your next Manchester here.

lockeliving.com

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