Background
The Leven brand is a joint venture between Mancunian brothers Joshua and Ben Senior, and Wellbrook Hospitality. This is the first Leven hotel. It opened in November 2021.
Where is it?
Centrally located on the corner of Chorlton Street and Canal Street in the Village area of Manchester. It’s a five-minute walk from Piccadilly train station. This is a lively area with
many restaurants and bars, and the main shopping area and university are also just a short walk away.
What’s it like?
This Grade II-listed red brick building was formerly a cotton warehouse and has kept much of its industrial heritage – exposed brick interior walls, visible pipes and conduits in the ceilings while cast-iron columns are artfully blended with contemporary furniture and fittings. From the street there is an easy-access entrance via stairs or lift to the lobby and check-in at the brass topped counter, which also serves as the bar.
This bright, high-ceilinged space is a good place for admiring the artwork curated by hotel director Timothy Griffin who also designed all the interiors. Bespoke green velvet sofas, and leather armchairs are nestled around low tables with lots of hanging houseplants at the original Crittall windows. The hotel is mostly step-free (the exception being the penthouses) and easy for anyone with mobility requirements.
Connected to the lobby by a short walkway is a co-working area with a large canteen-style wooden table, extra seating around the large windows and a cosy corner sofa. This room is also used for breakfast. There is free wifi throughout the hotel.
Rooms
There are 42 rooms across four categories, all of which are spacious and have their own kitchen. Life Size (26 sqm, standard double), Living Space (44 sqm, one-bed suite), Living Large (55 sqm, one-bed Duplex penthouse suite) and Living the Dream (95 sqm, two-bed Duplex penthouse suite). We stayed in a corner Living Space suite on the fourth floor.
Our room opened into a sleek modern kitchen with an oak parquet floor and matt grey units topped with black stone surfaces. The grey colour scheme runs throughout. It’s a well-equipped kitchen with Bosch appliances, fridge, freezer, microwave oven and dishwasher, plus complimentary milk, water, tea and Origin organic ground coffee. There is also a selection of snacks and canned soft drinks to buy. This then leads into the living area and, being a corner room, it’s bright and airy with lots of windows.
The focal point is a comfortable teal green velvet sofa with a coffee table, flatscreen TV and marble-topped circular table with chairs. The exposed brick walls are hung with contemporary and quirky artwork.
From the lounge a sliding door opens into the bedroom and ensuite. Under the bedroom window is a freestanding bath and large tropical potted palm. To the side is a comfortable king-sized bed, with a pair of complimentary Leven socks (shame there weren’t two pairs!).
All rooms have mattresses by Naturalmat made from all-natural fibres. There’s another TV, plenty of storage with hairdryer, iron and ironing board and a washer-dryer. A grey marble-tiled wet room has a rain shower and large bottles of Grown Alchemist toiletries.
Food and drink
The hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, but breakfast is available in the co-working room or delivered to your room. We enjoyed a continental style breakfast (£12).
Meetings
The first floor co-working space can be used for meetings up to 25.
Leisure
There are no leisure facilities but a discounted rate at a local gym can be arranged.
Verdict
This is a beautifully designed small hotel with spacious luxury rooms in a very relaxed and welcoming environment. The service was excellent without being formal or stuffy.
FACT BOX
- Best for Its central location and an ideal spot to experience the vibrant LGBTQ+ village
- Don’t miss A cocktail from Leven’s bespoke menu
- Price Internet rates for a flexible midweek stay in October started from £129 in a Life Size room
- Contact 40 Chorlton Street, Manchester M1 3HW; +44 161 359 7900; liveleven.com
Words: Annie Harris
