For our next hen do hot spot we’re shining the spotlight on the cool city of
manchester
.Perhaps most famous for its elite football teams, the city has so much to offer those who venture further than Old Trafford.
By day ladies can enjoy some serious retail therapy and fun daytime activities before the city really comes alive in the evening with different areas for groups to explore. Quirky bars, cosmopolitan restaurants and swanky clubs – it really has got it all.
Hens could also be lucky enough to spot the odd celeb with members of the Corrie and Hollyoaks cast, not to mention a WAG or two, living close by.
So pack the ‘L’ plates ladies as we go west!
where to stay
There is accommodation to suit all groups of ladies in Manchester’s bustling city centre. In order to make the right choice for you and your gals, you’ll need to look at the location, price range and setting that’s most desirable.
Those looking for a grand hotel with historic charm will adore The Midland, ideally located in the heart of the city centre on Peter Street. During its 100 year history, the hotel is said to have played host to kings, queens presidents, prime ministers, rock stars – and no doubt a few hens.
A haven of relaxation can be found at the Macdonald Manchester Hotel & Spa on London Road or the Radison Blu Edwardian Hotel on Peter Street. Both boast tranquil spas, ideal for hens who want to unwind during the day before hitting the bars hard at night. Radison’s Sienna Spa located in the basement includes a sauna, steam room, gym and swimming pool while Macdonald’s signature thermal suite features a hot rock sauna, infra-red sauna, eucalyptus scented steam room, sensation shower, ice igloo and heated loungers.
Keeping at the luxury end of the budget the Great John Street hotel is a top pick for many who visit the city. A former Victorian school house located in walking distance of Deansgate, this is a stylish hotel with quirky features, including separate boys and girls staircases to its roof top playground. Here hens will find a terrace, hot tub, sun lounges and bar – what more could a girl want?
For those not wanting to splurge as much on accommodation The Crowne Plaza Hotel located on Shudehill close to the city’s Northern Quarter offers modern rooms at a modest price. Alternatively hens might like to book into Princess Street’s Roomzzz Aparthotel – serviced apartments with a stylish finish. The rooms boast quirky touches such as four-poster beds and all have a well-equipped kitchen, which could save you some money on your meals.
As with all big cities Manchester is also home to numerous budget hotels such as Premier Inn and Novotel – ideal for parties not looking to spend much time in their rooms.
what to do
Undoubtedly Manchester is one of the very best destinations in the country for shopping (hello Selfridges!) and therefore a spree is a must for hen parties. In the city centre ladies will find both independent fashion retailers and high street favourites including Zara, Whistles and Reiss as well as designers like Vivienne Westwood, plus top department stores Selfridges and Harvey Nichols.
And if that’s not enough, groups can always allocate a day of the hen do for some serious retail therapy at the Trafford Centre. Located five miles out of the city centre, the famous shopping complex houses more than 200 stores meaning you can literally shop ‘til you drop.
Groups looking for a fun and competitive activity might like to visit to Manchester’s All Star Lanes for a spot of boutique bowling. The Deansgate venue has a private bowling room perfect for hens that comes complete with two bowling lanes, a private cocktail bar, seasonal canapé menu, staff and even the option of karaoke.
Hens worried about breaking glasses with their singing voices however might prefer a dance class. The Manchester Dance Centre offers groups the opportunity to learn a routine of their choice, from the fierce moves of Beyoncé to musical favourites, such as Dirty Dancing and Chicago.
Or for something different altogether, ladies could book to play Breakout Manchester – a live escape room where groups of friends are locked into a room for an hour and have to solve a series of puzzles to escape. Sounds very Crystal Maze to us!
After a heavy night on the tiles, a visit to a spa may well be in order and fortunately there are two fabulous options tucked away in Manchester’s city centre: Spa Satori and Bali Health Lounge. Here hens can indulge in spa and beauty treatments including massages, facials, manicures and much more.
where to eat & drink
Different areas of Manchester’s city centre offer different types of nights out.
Hens looking for a cool and quirky scene would probably be best suited to The Northern Quarter. Bursting with character the area is known to have some of the city’s very best independent bars and pubs. Prepare for some highly stylish as well as weird and wonderful décor.
For cocktail fans there is the cosmopolitan Montpellier’s Cafe & Bar which claims to have an ever changing cocktail menu, or the 1950s inspired Hula Tiki Lounge with more than 100 different rums behind the bar. Dry Bar is the perfect place to go for drinks and dancing with its DJs playing everything from indie to 80s electronica. Hens not keen on a heavy meal before a night out should look up the Wood Wine & Deli Bar which offers delicious cheese and meat sharing platters along with a glass of vino. For something a little different groups should book into Abel Haywood for brunch where you can design your own bloody Mary to wash down a Manchester fry up.
Deansgate is known for the more trendy bars in the city – an area where people like to be seen. Top picks for drinks and eats would be The Botanist, The Living Room and also Elixir Tonic & Treats. Meanwhile for clubbing there is the swanky Suede Nightclub – a VIP super club – and the Bijou Club, which is said to attract the city’s celebs.
Keeping things sophisticated, Spinningfields has become a more upmarket area of the city that has attracted numerous stylish cocktail and champagne bars. Australaisa is a sleek venue known for its signature cocktails and Australian cuisine with Southeast Asian influences. Popular haunts including The Alchemist and Artisan can also be found in this area.
Chain bars such as Revolution and Pitcher & Piano are located in the Deansgate Locks area while late night options for hard-core hens include Tiger Tiger at the Printworks and the Black Dog Ballroom in the Northern Quarter. For a little bit of cheese (after all it is a hen do) there’s also The Birdcage located in Manchester’s Arndale Shopping Centre which hosts cabaret performances by drag artists, showgirls and male dancers (think Magic Mike), plus DJs playing disco classics so groups can still hit the dance floor.
Never mind a weekend, you might need a whole week in this city ladies!
