Fun attitude
For a change of pace from London, why not consider a trip to Manchester? This city in the north of England, once known for its austere image, has undergone a remarkable transformation. Today, it pulsates with life and creativity, particularly in its former red-brick factories, now converted into designer studios and artists' and craftspeople's workshops. Recently opened in the heart of the city, in a building overgrown with vegetation, the second Treehouse Hotel, after the one in London, is riding this wave of popularity. Its concept and name evoke children's love of building treehouses from materials and debris found here and there: a healthy dose of whimsy and nostalgia that is reflected in the 224 rooms, where exposed concrete ceilings and metal and wood shelving – references to the industrial past – interact with the shimmering patchwork quilts adorning the beds and with the brightly colored curtains, walls, and chairs.
The Treehouse is constantly buzzing: throughout the day in the ground-floor bar-restaurant, Pip, where chef Mary-Ellen McTague plays with locally sourced, seasonal produce; and then at the cocktail bar on the 14th floor.e And on the top floor, with its more lounge-like atmosphere, is The Nest in Treehouse, offering panoramic views across the city. Another Asian-inspired restaurant, Sister Moon, will open later on the rooftop, helmed by two renowned DJs turned restaurateurs and chef Sam Grainger. The hotel also boasts a cinema and is working on an ambitious arts and culture program. A team of concierges is on hand to suggest sightseeing and outings, both classic and unusual, in Manchester and the surrounding area. Their name perfectly sums up their mission: they're known here as the "fun finders"!
