'Trading Post: How Hot Drinks Changed Our Lives' at Manchester Art Gallery isn’t just an exhibition—it’s a sensory journey. More than coffee or tea, it’s about stories: from 19th-century factory workers sipping their daily brew to today’s craft baristas crafting culture. Every cup tells a tale of connection, community, and change. Come here not just to see, but to taste the evolution of everyday life in Manchester.

This hotel is truly unique! Housed in a magnificent Victorian-era Grade II listed building dating back to 1890, it now stands as a destination where luxury meets distinctive craftsmanship. Enjoy amenities like the executive floors, meeting rooms, bar, and café, or unwind in the home theater and game room—perfect for both business and family trips. Plus, it’s pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along! Conveniently located near Oxford St, it’s easy to hail a cab. Staying here, you’ll experience Manchester’s blend of tradition and modernity—an unforgettable stay!

Looking for luxury and convenience in Manchester? This hotel is the perfect choice for you! Located in the city center, it’s just a 5-minute walk to Manchester Town Hall, with nearby attractions like Bridgewater Hall and the National Football Museum. Enjoy spa treatments, an indoor pool, and a sauna for ultimate relaxation. With free WiFi, concierge services, and 24-hour room service, your stay will be nothing short of comfortable. Chinese-friendly services and kids’ meals make it ideal for family trips. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

Looking for a luxurious stay in the heart of Manchester? This is the perfect choice! With its prime location, you’re just minutes away from the AO Arena and Piccadilly Gardens, surrounded by vibrant cultural and entertainment spots. Unwind at the RE:TREAT Spa with massages and facials, or dine at the acclaimed two AA Rosette riverside restaurant. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 24-hour room service, and spacious rooms featuring king-size beds and designer toiletries. Whether for business or leisure, this hotel ensures an exceptional experience!

Nestled in the heart of Manchester, this hotel boasts a prime location just a short walk from Oxford Road Station and close to attractions like the Manchester Central Library and Whitworth Art Gallery. With indoor pool, spa, and fitness center, it's perfect for both business and leisure. Enjoy valet parking, laundry services, and delicious dining options—whether in-house or at nearby top-rated restaurants. A flawless stay awaits!

This hotel is perfect for both families and business travelers! Located in the heart of Manchester, just a 5-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens. With a kids' play area and family-friendly amenities, it’s a great choice for parents. The executive lounge and 24-hour business center make work trips a breeze. Rooms are spacious and cozy, featuring free WiFi and LCD TVs. Plus, their Chinese-friendly service is exceptional, and you’ll love the buffet breakfast and 24-hour room service. A top pick for comfort and convenience!

This hotel is the perfect choice in the heart of Manchester, ideal for both business and leisure travelers! From the moment you check in, you'll be greeted with a warm chocolate chip cookie, making you feel right at home. The comfortable rooms offer stunning views of the Manchester skyline and top-notch amenities, including iMac computers and high-speed Wi-Fi. Enjoy dining at the stylish restaurant and bar, with the CityCafé terrace being a great spot for meals and drinks. Conveniently located near attractions and the train station, plus facilities like a fitness center and charging stations ensure all your needs are met!

This hotel is a perfect blend of luxury and convenience right in Manchester city center! Just 10 minutes' walk to shopping centers and conference halls. The full-service SPA is a highlight – treat yourself to massages and facials. Enjoy the fitness center, sauna, and pool for ultimate relaxation. Dine on contemporary European cuisine at the on-site restaurant or unwind at the bar. Each of the 40 elegantly designed rooms comes with a minibar and free WiFi. Great for weddings and business trips with multiple meeting rooms – a top choice for all travelers!

This verified net zero hotel in the heart of Manchester is perfect for eco-conscious travelers! Just a 10-minute walk to AO Arena and Deansgate, it’s ideally located for exploring the city. Unwind at the indoor pool, sauna, or fitness center, or treat yourself to a relaxing spa massage. Hungry? Enjoy a meal at RBG Bar and Grill or take advantage of 24-hour room service. Business travelers will appreciate the meeting rooms and business center. With 252 cozy rooms featuring free WiFi, you’ll feel right at home!

Nestled in the vibrant innovation district of Manchester, this hotel boasts an ideal location just a short walk from major transport hubs and attractions. As the first Hyatt House in the UK, it offers comprehensive amenities including a fitness center, meeting rooms, and services tailored for Chinese guests, plus kid-friendly dining options. With a stellar 4.8 rating, it’s perfect for both business and leisure travelers seeking comfort and convenience.

This hotel is perfectly located in the heart of Manchester, offering easy access to transportation, making it ideal for both business and leisure trips. With top-notch amenities like the Executive Lounge, Spa, and Fitness Center, you can unwind after a busy day. Business travelers will appreciate the meeting rooms and Business Center. Families are welcome too, with kids' meals available. Services like dry cleaning and luggage storage add extra convenience. Rated 4.3, it's a fantastic choice for your stay!

This hotel is the perfect choice for your stay in Manchester city center! Just a 10-minute walk to Deansgate and AO Arena, with Canal Street and the University of Manchester nearby, offering both fun and culture. Enjoy top-notch amenities like the 24-hour fitness center, free WiFi, and concierge services. Dine at Glasshouse or unwind at the bar—24-hour room service means you’re always covered. Rooms feature minibars, LCD TVs, and separate bathtubs for ultimate comfort. Business travelers will love the business center and 7,459 sq ft of event space. Don’t miss the hearty buffet breakfast—it’s a game-changer!









Everything you need to know about Trading Station: How Hot Drinks Shape Our Lives
Stay at The Savile Hotel, a boutique gem just a 5-minute walk from Manchester Art Gallery. This stylish hotel blends industrial-chic design with contemporary art, offering select rooms with views of Cathedral Square. During the exhibition, guests enjoy a themed afternoon tea featuring classic British black tea paired with pastries by local artisans, immersing them in the cultural impact of hot drinks.
The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the gallery, ensuring seamless access. Guests receive a free exhibition guidebook and a limited-edition "Hot Drink Map" detailing Manchester’s evolution from 18th-century tea parlors to today’s vibrant café scene—perfect for deepening your understanding of how beverages shaped modern social life.
Yes, Hotel Indigo Manchester City Centre is an excellent choice, located just 300 meters from Manchester Art Gallery—only a 5-minute walk away. The hotel features 24/7 unlimited Wi-Fi and smart room technology for effortless post-exhibition relaxation.
Its direct access to the Metrolink tram station allows quick connections to train stations, shopping districts, and theatres. During the exhibition, guests can visit the pop-up "Hot Drink Culture Booth," offering limited-edition artisan coffee and British tea gift sets that reflect the exhibit's theme of how beverages shaped urban life.
Front desk staff also offers guided tour bookings to historic tea houses and innovative cafés nearby, enriching the experience with real-world context on how hot drinks transformed Manchester’s social landscape.
During the exhibition, Manchester Central Library partners with the gallery for the "One Tea, One World" workshop, where visitors learn to brew 19th-century working-class "rough tea" and imported colonial-era black tea under expert guidance, exploring how drinks reflected social class divisions.
Another highlight is the "Coffee Revolution City Walk," led by local historians through historic sites once serving as tea houses and cafés—such as the 1830s first coffeehouse and venues used for labor movement gatherings. Each stop features audio guides and interactive touchscreens displaying historical consumption data and period advertisements.
Participants receive a "Hot Drink Memory Card" to record key moments and redeem it for a limited-edition reprinted tea blend, extending the experience beyond the visit.
Stay at The Lowry Hotel, just a 10-minute walk from Manchester Art Gallery. This stylish riverside hotel blends industrial heritage with contemporary design, offering rooms with cozy relaxation zones and themed local coffee tastings that mirror the "Hot Drinks" exhibition’s narrative. Some suites feature views of the Manchester Ship Canal, enhancing the immersive experience. The on-site The Lowry Café serves handcrafted hot beverages using regional beans, making it a perfect post-exhibition retreat for art and flavor enthusiasts.
Take the free Metrolink tram from Manchester Piccadilly Station to Castlefield Station—just a 15-minute ride—then walk 5 minutes to the gallery. Alternatively, board bus routes 24 or 73 to the "Gallery Square" stop, only 100 meters away. For drivers, parking options like St Peter's Square Car Park offer special exhibition-rate discounts, ensuring convenient access for those traveling by car.
Don’t miss The Manchester Coffee House, a boutique café founded by local baristas, offering exclusive exhibition-themed pour-over coffees and daily afternoon "Coffee & Conversation" talks linking drink culture to art. Nearby, Castlefield Urban Heritage Park hosts live performances and workshops in repurposed factory spaces, exploring how beverages have shaped urban life—perfect for a sensory-rich extension of the exhibition experience.
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