The story
The Rex Hotel anchors a historic stretch of King Street in Manchester, where contemporary Modern European cooking unfolds inside a structure designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1928. The building originally served as a Midland Bank branch, its neoclassical façade and subtle Art Deco detailing preserved through a full identity refresh completed last spring. Guests step past original vault doors into spaces that balance heritage architecture with purposeful modern design.
Reign occupies the sixth floor, where the Modern European kitchen constructs a five course tasting menu priced at £65 per person. The team sources ingredients from regional producers to build dishes around seasonal British and continental staples. This disciplined approach earned the kitchen two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence. Plates arrive with measured seasoning and careful textural contrast rather than heavy embellishment.
Reserve sits above the street level as a rooftop destination featuring three separate outdoor terraces and sweeping city sightlines. The space hosts long lunches and evening gatherings alongside a curated cocktail program and lighter European fare. Afternoon service flows easily into sunset hours, when the natural stone finishes and subdued lighting create a quieter backdrop. Private events move downstairs into the former banking vaults, where discreet settings accommodate everything from corporate dinners to intimate celebrations.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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