King Street Townhouse Hotel

Manchester

The clock strikes five. The bell rings out over the rooftops of downtown Manchester from the Town Hall, audible in the attic room at King Street Townhouse, one of the city’s more upmarket boutique hotel offerings.
For a bird’s-eye view of the bell tower itself, you can take a dip in the infinity pool perched on the roof. Or, back in the room, there’s a large egg-shaped bath installed under the window from which to truly appreciate the view across Manchester’s skyscape, glass of bubbles in hand. Housed in an Italian renaissance building built in 1872 for the Manchester Salford Trustees Bank, no two rooms here are the same. It feels like staying at a posh friend’s pied-à-terre: think Temple Spa toiletries and muted shades of blue and green, punctuated by local art. Downstairs, the King Street Tavern buzzes with a hungry after-work crowd seeking comfort food like mushrooms on toast, lamb shank and curry. Ask for the ‘black book’ of wines, for special vintages by the glass. Doubles from £120.