Last week, our Operations team took a day out with purpose: combining strategic planning with a deep-dive familiarisation tour of the Manchester venue scene. From beautifully restored icons to boundary-pushing cultural spaces, the day was packed with inspiration, collaboration, and just enough indulgence to keep things interesting.
Kicking things off: the new-look Park Inn Radisson (Manchester Victoria)
We started at the Park Inn by Radisson Manchester City Centre, formerly the Park Inn. Perfectly located just opposite Manchester Victoria Train Station and the AO Arena, this newly rebranded Manchester venue is a prime contender for city-centre conferences, wellness-focused retreats, or even sport-themed events. With 252 rooms, an RBG Bar & Grill, a Green Quarter terrace for alfresco dining, and the tranquil Nu Spa, the hotel offers comfort and flexibility in equal measure. The transformation from Park Inn to Radisson is impressive, polished, elevated, and absolutely ready for business.
The Past Meets the Future: New Century Hall
Next up: New Century Hall. This venue is a masterpiece of mid-century revival. Originally a dancehall that played host to music legends like The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix, it now boasts flexible event capacities of up to 1,300 and is rich in character. The original sprung maple dance floor, restored disco ceiling, and Grade II-listed fixtures are perfectly complemented by modern sound, lighting and AV tech. With in-house production, a built-in stage and bar, and the option to live record events, it’s a dream for everything from awards evenings to brand activations. If you’re after a Manchester venue that oozes personality, this one’s hard to beat.
Lunch with a Local Twist: The Reach Hotel at Piccadilly
Halfway through our journey, we paused at The Reach Hotel, a Tribute Portfolio gem perched on the edge of the Rochdale Canal. This boutique property balances elegance and sustainability with a distinctly Mancunian flavour. We enjoyed a locally inspired menu featuring small plates crafted with regional ingredients, including the show-stealing Vimto chilli jam and grilled seasonal peaches. A particular highlight? Their exclusive Lock 84 IPA, brewed by Seven Bro7hers just down the road. Not your typical Manchester venue, but a great pick for small gatherings with big charm.
A Cultural Powerhouse: Aviva Studios at Factory International
When we say Aviva Studios was vast, we mean vast. Born out of the world-renowned Manchester International Festival, Factory International is a flexible, shapeshifting space that celebrates the art of the possible. With 13,200m² of combined indoor and outdoor space and a capacity of up to 4,500, it can accommodate everything from immersive exhibitions and filming to brand activations, fashion shows, and large-scale conferences. If you’re hunting for a Manchester venue that goes big on ambition and creativity, this one’s in a league of its own.
Up in the Trees: Treehouse Hotel Manchester
With interiors that feel like a playful escape from the everyday, the Treehouse Hotel redefines what a city-centre stay can be. From its rooftop bar and immersive DJ-led vibes to two on-site restaurants helmed by acclaimed chefs, it’s the kind of venue where business meetings turn into social gatherings in the best possible way. Event spaces here are quirky, vibrant, and anything but conventional, ideal for clients wanting a fresh, offbeat Manchester venue.
Grandeur with a Story: The Midland Hotel
Walking into The Midland is like stepping back into a more glamorous age, but with all the mod cons. This Grade II-listed Manchester institution has hosted royalty, rock stars, and revolutionaries, and its mix of rich heritage and cutting-edge amenities makes it ideal for gala dinners, high-end conferences, or just a showstopping overnight stay. Its 312 luxurious bedrooms, award-winning food, and premium event spaces have earned it a place among the most iconic hotels in the city, a true cornerstone of the Manchester venue scene.
A Toast to the Skyline: Hilton Deansgate & Cloud 23
We wrapped the day 23 floors up at Cloud 23, perched atop the Hilton Deansgate. Known for its panoramic views of Manchester’s skyline and boundary-pushing cocktails, it was the perfect place to reflect on a day full of discovery. The Hilton itself, with its towering city-centre location, well-equipped leisure facilities, and floor-to-ceiling guest room views, remains a go-to Manchester venue for events that need both scale and spectacle.
Fuel for the Future
What made the day truly special wasn’t just the quality or uniqueness of each Manchester venue (though there was plenty of that). It was the energy it brought to the team. Seeing such a wide range of styles, capabilities, and experiences sparked new ideas for our client work, both for the familiar briefs and the ones we haven’t even received yet.
We’re back at our desks recharged, reconnected, and ready to push the boundaries of what’s possible.