As talk of potential Prime Minister leadership challenges grab the headlines, Manchester is hailed as a shining example of the positive effect of Mayor Andy Burnham. The city is a buzzing and vibrant city for both residents and visitors alike. At it’s heart, The Rex has officially reopened following its rebrand from Hotel Gotham, marking a new chapter for the city-centre hotel with an expanded hospitality and dining offering.
The hotel, operated by Leonardo Limited Edition UK Hotels, reopened on 23 April at its King Street location. The relaunch introduces a refreshed identity aimed at combining the building’s historic character with a more contemporary guest experience.
A central part of the redevelopment is the introduction of new food, drink and events concepts across the hotel’s existing spaces, including fine dining restaurant Reign and rooftop venue Reserve.
Executive Head Chef Bartoz Szynaka leads the culinary direction at The Rex. Szynaka has previously worked in a number of five-star and six-star hotels internationally and has developed menus focused on British ingredients alongside modern cooking techniques.
Reign, located within the hotel, will offer breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktails and a five-course tasting menu. Dishes on the tasting menu include glazed daikon with fennel sauce, duck egg and Mexican corn. The venue will also serve vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
On the seventh floor, Reserve has opened as a rooftop dining and drinks destination featuring three outdoor terraces overlooking the Manchester skyline
The hotel said its afternoon tea service has been designed as a key part of the guest experience, featuring sandwiches, homemade scones and patisserie alongside teas, sparkling wine and champagne upgrades.
On the seventh floor, Reserve has opened as a rooftop dining and drinks destination featuring three outdoor terraces overlooking the Manchester skyline. The venue includes a private members’ club, although the rooftop bar and restaurant remain open to non-members.
Reserve’s menu includes small plates and classic dishes such as lamb koftas, tempura prawns and dry-aged sirloin steak, alongside cocktails, champagne and wine.
The Rex has also expanded its events and private dining offering with several dedicated spaces housed within the building’s former bank vaults. These include Treasury, designed for large private events, and Strongroom, an intimate dining and meeting space centred around a convertible snooker table.
The hotel is additionally promoting a series of seasonal experiences, including discounted tasting menus, whisky tastings and Saturday afternoon tea accompanied by live piano performances.
Nightly room rates at The Rex start from £179 on a bed-and-breakfast basis.
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