Angela Kennedy heads to RE:TREAT Spa at one of Manchester’s hippest destinations, The Lowry Hotel, to try a new facial designed to alleviate symptoms of menopause, as well as float in complete darkness for physical and mental recouperation.
In typical Mancunian style, a light drizzle of summer rain trickles down as I approach The Lowry Hotel across the magnificently stark white Trinity Bridge, linking the cities of Manchester and Salford over the River Irwell. Hugging the boundary on the Salford side, The Lowry is one of just a handful of five-star hotels in the city centre. The unseasonable weather doesn’t faze a hardy Mancunian such as myself – in fact it’s quite beautiful with the water droplets glistening in rainbow colours on the huge curved glass front of the building.
The Lowry’s architecture stays true to the industrial roots of the area with a dash of cool warehouse aesthetic in the boxy shape and concrete sides. Named after famous local artist L. S. Lowry, who painted distinctive matchstick-style figures set in smog-filled urban landscapes of northern England, the hotel has had more than its fair share of celebrity guests: Kylie, Rihanna, Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga, David Beckham, Take That and even the Dalai Lama have all graced the premises.
Befitting a super-hip five-star hotel, the recently redesigned bar and lounge are exquisitely turned out in tonal colours with splashes of vibrant reds, plus comfortable and suitably intimate seating beside the huge glass front. The view across the river to other boxy buildings – offices and houses – reminds you you’re in the heart of L. S. Lowry’s urban homeland. The cocktails are truly mixed by a master of his art – with the Salford Sangria and Manchester Mule coming highly recommended .
You can order small plates of food in the lounge, but we are lucky enough to dine in the River Restaurant, with a grand marble-topped bar, walls covered with artworks and gorgeous bespoke pendant lighting – and of course those river views. Naturally, the food is locally sourced and seasonal with a clear concept behind each dish. We enjoy the trout with caviar followed by the Cheshire chicken with asparagus – all delicious. But my pudding of caramelised pear and honeycomb somewhat steals the show with its tangy moreish taste and beautiful presentation. Service is impeccably attentive without being overbearing.
Our Executive King bedroom is very spacious with unobtrusive décor pl
