Hidden tunnels and ghosts: The secrets of Manchester’s iconic The Midland hotel

As you walk through the streets of Manchester city centre, you’ll be impressed by both its old and new architecture, particularly the historic hotel The Midland.

We visited one of the city’s proudest landmarks to discover the secrets and stories it’s built upon, that make it more than just bricks and mortar.

This magnificent Grade II listed building was designed by architect Charles Trubshaw in an Edwardian Baroque style and opened by the Midland Railway Company in 1903.

It was first used to accommodate wealthy rail travellers using Manchester Central railway station – which was later called the G-Mex but more recently renamed Manchester Central once again – to commute from London.

Visitors would enjoy the hotel’s luxurious features including an ornate Gentleman’s Concert Hall and theatre, a reading room and a billiards room.

But in 1922, the concert hall was converted into more bedrooms, which are the hotel’s modern-day hotel suites.

In the years gone by, the hotel has welcomed a number of A-list guests including Sir Winston Churchill, Frank Sinatra, Pavarotti, the Queen Mother and The Beatles. 

But most famously, it’s the place where Charles Rolls met Henry Royce in 1904, which is marked with a blue plaque and a Rolls Royce car positioned on the steps to the hotel. 

Our team went down to explore the many layers that make up this iconic landmark, guided by the hotel’s human resources manager, Alex.

Starting with the foundations of this magnificent historic building, we began our journey in the basement as we made our way through its underground passages including the hotel’s very own moat.

These secret tiled underpasses would have once been used by the rich upper classes, perhaps so as not to mix with the general population or to avoid any attention.

Alex tells of how the basement on the gentlemen’s side of the hotel once housed an underground casino, a barbers and a post office – before it underwent a refurbishment in the ‘80s.

Also in the basement lies the old laundry rooms which are no longer in use. This is where the maids would wash the linen for over 300 rooms with the steam being seen from the pavement above on Lower Mosley Street.

As you can imagine, the hotel has a few ghost stories. As we headed up the stairs and looked over the Octagon bar, we discovered the tales of wandering ghosts along the hotel’s corridors.

The ghostly spirits, though rarely seen, include a barber who has been heard cutting hair in the space that was once the barbershop, a child and the Lady in Grey – who it’s assumed was once a permanent guest in the hotel and now walks the corridors she once called home.

We then headed up to the rooftop via the grand old staircase and unlocked the doors to step foot above the building.

The roof terrace was once an elaborate Winter Garden where guests could enjoy afternoon tea and admire the views across what Manchester would have once looked like.

However, the smoke and soot from chimneys and fires at the time hampered the views and likely made it unpleasant for guests to breathe. The rooftop gardens closed in 1910.

But these days the skies look much clearer and a view of the city’s skyline from the top of the Midland reminds you just how impressive a city Manchester really is.

This hotel also offers top notch food where guests can indulge in some fine dining at chef Adam Reid’s The French.

If you’re looking for a luxury city break or even just a luxurious self-indulgent staycation, head to The Midland hotel.

You can book yourself a room HERE.

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