Draw up a checklist for what makes a great hotel and you could be there for a while. Location, the building itself, cost and service are amongst the main aspects that combine to create a pleasurable, relaxing and comfortable stay.
When it comes to Manchester, The Reach at Piccadilly is the new kid on the block that could very well be the best kept secret around.
It ticks all of the boxes above and then some – food that wows, a location on the doorstep of the city’s main transport hub and the trendy bars and restaurants of the Northern Quarter. It’s also a short hop to the newly-opened Co-op Live Arena that’s packing in the stars after opening earlier this year. If shopping is more your thing, boutiques and grand department stores are also a brief stroll away.
But what really stands out at The Reach is the staff. Open for only a couple of weeks when we visited, and unbeknownst that we were there to pass judgement, they stood out for their warmth, knowledge and slick efficiency. As someone who has lived in Manchester for decades and has become proud of the place, it’s great to know visitors from elsewhere will get this type of welcome, too.
We stayed in a standard double room, which was tastefully decorated in a modern style, with some lovely touches – especially in the striking bathroom.
Dinner was the star of the show, where we were served superbly by Niamh. Her knowledge of the entire menu, especially the gluten- and lactose free options, was impressive and reassuring.
Small plates and some slightly larger make up the offering. We opted for whipped Aleppo hummus – light and invitingly salty – and blue cheese and pecan salad that balanced savoury and sweet.
A plate of bresaola simply danced on the tongue, subtly dotted with a tarragon-rich bearnaise sauce. Oyster mushrooms, encased in a light gluten-free tempura batter, were like cherished ribbons of goodness that sunk unapologetically into a spicy vegan mayonnaise.
But two dishes really, really stood out.
Sticky Korean pork belly provided an irresistible combination of melt-in-the-mouth tangy meat with sumptuous, silky fat – delivered with just the right amount of heat to leave you wanting more despite the strain at the waistline.
For those of a plant-based persuasion, a humble cauliflower steak was elevated to undeniable heights by the skillful cooking and ‘I must bore friends with this’ standard green chilli chutney that we tried to decipher at the table. Chilli, obviously, but lots of lemon, some mint… what else? We weren’t ashmaed to ask but it remains under wraps. And why not? Some secrets are best kept that way and simply enjoyed.
We bookended the evening with deserts of deconstructed Eton mess and moreish mango sorbet.
A mightily-impressive gin selection had earlier whetted our appetites – one of Seville oranges, the other Sicilian lemon. Add in a bottle of Pinot Grigio and sleep in the very comfortable beds came quickly.
Next morning’s breakfast was also very agreeable. Locally-sourced fruit salad with a mint compote for myself, while my partner demolished smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, accompanied by sauteed baby spinach. All served with a smile and a very warm welcome. Every day should start like this!
Then it was off into the rare Manchester sunshine, with a friendly bon voyage and a spring in our steps. Hospitality is a tough game at the best of times. It’s hard to get it right.
The Reach at Piccadilly has got it SO right.
That weekend away or midweek treat you’ve been talking about? Get it booked before the word gets out and they are queuing around the block. The Reach at Piccadilly is a Tribute Portfolio Hotel. For more information visit https://thereachmcr.com/.
