Kimpton Clocktower, Manchester

The perfect mix of gorgeous heritage design with cool, cosmopolitan attitude

- Tamsin Cocks

BACKGROUND This grand Grade-II listed building first opened in 1895, standing as The Refuge Assurance Company headquarters for almost a century. It was designed by Alfred Waterhouse, the architect who counts London's Natural History Museum among his notable projects, while the namesake 66-metre clock tower was added in 1912.

In 2018, IHG announced they were buying the property and conducted a renovation before opening the rebranded Kimpton Clocktower in October 2020.

WHERE IS IT? It dominates its corner of Oxford Street in the heart of Manchester, with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops nearby. For train travel, Piccadilly Station is a 15-minute walk, while Manchester Oxford Road station is next door. Manchester Airport is also a 20-minute drive. Discounted rates at the nearby NCP car park can be arranged through reception.