For those who watch my weekly vlogs you’ll know that we’ve had a rough couple of weeks. So I took the weekend off and snuck away for a night at The Midland Hotel in Manchester* with a lucky +1 to test out their spa and restaurant Mr Coopers. For flexibility and ease we drove up to Manchester and although The Midland doesn’t have it’s own parking there is an NCP multi story 2 minutes walk away from the entrance that cost us £38 for most of the weekend.
The Midland’s reception is a grand affair with large ceilings and a lovely atmosphere. We was booked into the spa at 12pm so we left our bags and went straight down for my treatment and to start relaxing.
The Spa at The Midland
The Spa at The Midland is underground and a peaceful area with the gorgeous essential oils hitting you as soon as you walk in – don’t you just love the smell of a spa?! I was taken through to my treatment room for their new treatment – Serene Sleep – which involves a back massage with hot stones, facial massage and scalp treatments. I spoke with my therapist and chose the oils that I was attracted too before slipping onto the heated beds and relaxing into my treatment.
My go to treatment at the spa is a hot stone massage so as you can imagine, I’ve had a lot of them. I’m going big and I’m going early with this one – this treatment was one of the best massages I’ve had in a long, long time. Hayley was my therapist and not only did she listen to all my muscle concerns but she worked those knots like a demon leaving me feeling like I was on another planet. I’m already planning a visit to see her again in the Autumn after my next press trips because this lady is a miracle worker.
The treatment is heavenly and highly recommended. I wish they’d had more spaces otherwise I would have booked in for even more treatments! After massages we chilled out in the relaxation room, enjoyed their selection of herbal teas and took a dip in the swimming pool and jacuzzi! They have a Himalayan Salt sauna and amazing suspended ti-pi’s if you fancied a nap! It’s a really lovely spa and well worth a visit for the day – they also have a gym and their lunch deli platters are delicate and very tasty indeed!
After our relaxing afternoon I unpacked in my room which was spacious with a bath, huge bed and views over the city. I’ve stayed in a number of hotels around Manchester and The Midland probably wasn’t my favourite, but the bed was comfortable, the staff were friendly and it was super quiet for a great night’s sleep – a good 4 star!
We ordered some room service whilst getting ready (on the pricey side coming in at £25 for some bread, olives and two beers) and I put on some tunes while I hopped into the power shower! We were booked into Mr Cooper’s for dinner so it was glad rags on and ready to chow down. I’d heard amazing things about Mr Coopers so I was excited to give it a whirl.
Mr Cooper’s House & Garden
Mr Coopers was so busy on our Saturday evening but the staff treated us as if we were the only ones in there. The menu was full of delicious fresh dishes – quirky items like Avocado ice cream and traditional fare in the shape of good steaks and creme brulee. We enjoyed three courses over the evening with delectable wine and even a desert wine recommended by our waiter who let us try all three before deciding. It was a real treat and certainly one to rave about.
To start I enjoyed the Chilled Tomato Consomme and my +1 went for the Buttermilk Fried Prawns – the flavours in both were delicious and so fresh. A great start to our meal. If you’re looking for something filling I wouldn’t suggest the Consomme but the avocado ice cream is worth trying.
For main I went for the Red Mullet and my partner, the Duck – again both dishes were delicately presented with lots of flavour – we ordered creamed spinach and fries on the side which made for a good portion. My mullet was flaky and cooked to perfection with a delicate saffron flavour. The duck was served pink and oh so succulent. I enjoyed a glass of Marlborough Sauvingnon Blanc (which I’ve already put on my list to get a case in) – great selection of wine and knowledgeable waiting staff.
For dessert I chose the Pineapple Creme Brulee and my partner was swayed by the lovely waiter to try the White Chocolate Mousse Cake. My brulee was a little on the burnt side – always tricky mixing fire and rum! – but the flavour was great and the desert itself was well put together. The mousse was delicious too with oozy chocolate and a whipped up cream mousse, I can see why the waiter was so keen for us to try it!
Our bill at Mr Coopers came in at £166 including drinks which isn’t cheap but we enjoyed our food so much we’ll certainly be back for another dinner sometime.
The Midland really does have a lot to offer if you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay in Manchester that has everything you need all under one roof. You can bag a spa weekend with one night stay at the Midand for just £129 depending on when you book so for the price it’s excellent value. Add in a visit to Mr Coopers and you’ve got yourself a fab little weekend away.
Have you stayed at the Midland before? Will you consider the spa for your next treatment? How about Mr Coopers, what’s the most delicious looking dish on the menu?
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