I know it will sound strange, but I love staying in Manchester overnight. I live in Stockport so my public transport links into the City are second to none, a taxi isn’t extortionate but I do love wandering to a pretty hotel after a nice evening out and getting into crisp hotel sheets and a comfy bed. That is exactly what happened when I stayed at the Abel Heywood.
Abel Heywood is a Hydes owned pub in the Northern Quarter. It is designed to resemble a Victorian style gin parlour with the ground floor being a traditional style pub and the 1st floor a dining area. They serve a classic pub menu with a Manchester twist and there are more than 70 gins to make your way through. I’ve visited before (you can find a review of their breakfast offering and their winter menu on my blog if you would like to read more) and it is always one of the first places I mention when meeting up with friends. It is one of the best ‘pub style’ venues in the Northern Quarter in my opinion, and their location down on Turner Street puts them off the main street yet still easily accessible. It means the noise levels are less and the atmosphere is always friendly and welcoming.
Rooms in the boutique accommodation are located on the 2nd floor and there is a lift to get there, if the stairs are too much. Our room was a double with a firm yet soft topped mattress, a sofa in front of the TV to allow for chill out time without having to lounge in bed and a desk space if you have work to do.
Artwork on the walls is in keeping with the Victorian North West style of the building and there is an impressive Manchester skyline scene across the back of the bed. Also in keeping with the Manchester theme, you will find a vintage style record player and a selection of records meaning, unless you want to you really do not need to leave.
There are tea and coffee making facilities including biscuits, which are always the first thing that get opened when I walk into a hotel room!
The room was spotless and the large bathroom was no different. There is a bath, which is a massive plus for me as I always take a bath bomb with me when staying in a hotel. I particularly loved the mismatched tiles on the walls as well, such a cute and unique touch.
On this night in particular we dined at Croma and then came back to the Abel Heywood for some gin before an early night. The bed was so comfortable and the street surprisingly silent, I am a fairly light sleeper and I heard nothing all night.
We woke up refreshed and ready for breakfast downstairs in the bar.
The breakfast menu for residents is a smaller more refined version of the breakfast menu available to regular customers, which I love because it still gives you more options than a traditional B&B yet keeps things simple in the kitchen. I understand cereal and pastries are supposed to be available but they weren’t out when we visited. It is not something I ever choose so it wasn’t a big issue for me but I know my friend was a bit gutted not to get his morning cereal.
My friend enjoyed the Big Breakfast, which comes with everything you would expect. All the items on the plate are of good quality with the hash brown being my favourite. That, and the hunk of artisan buttered toast on the side.
I chose the Eggs Benedict, which is my breakfast staple no matter where I go. The egg yolk pops just the way you hope and they are served with bacon on top of a lightly toasted muffin. The sauce is slightly sour yet creamy, just the way I like it.
Bags packed, we left with full tummies and fully rested after a decent sleep and a thoroughly enjoyable stay.
