The former Freemasons Hall on Manchester’s Bridge Street was left untouched for decades and over two years has been spent sensitively transforming the building to bring it up to date.
It is now set to be one of Manchester’s premier venues for weddings, parties, fashion shoots and shows, conferences and much more.
Manchester Hall is an undiscovered gem which up until now very few people outside the Freemasons have had the opportunity to go inside. It was built by Percy Scott Worthington in 1929 – the same architect who designed Manchester Grammar School (with Francis Jones) and Manchester Cathedral.
The iconic building is Grade II listed with a host of period features and detail and the developers have worked in close collaboration with English Heritage on its renovation and refurbishment. Exquisite period details include pillars, oak panelling and intricate plasterwork including Freemasons’ iconography on the ceilings.
Many of the rooms have floor to ceiling windows, giving fantastic natural daylight and views of Bridge Street and beyond. Manchester Hall’s magnificent floating staircase is one-of-a-kind in England and makes a stunning photo backdrop. Indeed happy couples could get married on the stairs should they wish to – the whole building is fully licensed for civil ceremonies.
Masons Restaurant and Bar will references the building’s unique history, with the food having a nod to the traditional with familiar British dishes on the menu such as Pan Fried Salmon (£18.95), Gressingham Duck Breast (£20.95) and Pea & Leek Tart (£11.95).
All ingredients have been carefully sourced from across the British Isles including Connemara organic Irish salmon from Ireland and Dukesmoor steaks from Wales. While the menu options might be familiar, the dishes will be a little less so – with all having a world influence.
Director Deepa Parekh, who now heads a 60 strong staff team at Manchester Hall, says: “Our opening event has been months in the planning and that’s because it’s only right that we launch such an important building for Manchester in a really special way. We have curated the event carefully to ensure we showcase all the facets of Manchester Hall.”
Manchester Hall, 36 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BT
0161 832 6256
www.manchesterhall.co.uk/
