This summer, The Grand Hotel Birmingham is celebrating the season of longer days and warmer nights, unveiling a limited edition series of entertainment events, all at Downstairs at The Grand.

Kicking off the season at The Grand Hotel Birmingham, in Isaac’s restaurant, the Six Weeks of Summer programme will be running from 16th July until 5th September.

Taking inspiration from Ibiza anthems, the iconic Cafe Del Mar, Glastonbury sing-along tunes and jukebox summer classics, the series of shows will transform Downstairs at The Grand into the ultimate summer party.

After being welcomed with a refreshing Hugo Spritz cocktail, guests will be invited to take their seats and enjoy a three-course meal from the brand new summer menu, served between each set of live music.

New dishes include small plates such as Marinated burrata with smoked tomato and chilli jam, Chicken croquette with comte and wild garlic emulsion, or Grilled lobster salad. Main courses include Grilled pork tomahawk with burnt corn & peach salsa, BBQ gochujang monkfish with fennel & chilli marmalade or a lighter vegetarian option of Roasted courgette and basil orzo. To round off the meal, desserts include Tiramisu tart with coffee custard and Strawberry trifle with an elderflower crème diplomat.

Downstairs at The Grand’s summer shows promise a talented line-up of acts to wow audiences. Featuring nostalgic Ibiza anthems such as Praise You, Murder on the Dancefloor, and Make Luv, Six Weeks of Summer will see local singers and musicians take to the stage to bring the summer party vibes.

This production is produced by the ever popular Mr and Mrs Grey, whose long standing contribution to the Birmingham music scene needs no introduction. Utilising musicians from their highly skilled rosta of Birmingham-based artists the show promises to bring powerhouse vocals and expert musicianship.

Icons, Club 1879 and Musical Theatre Thursdays will be running as usual at Downstairs at The Grand until 11th July, before Six Weeks of Summer takes over on 16th July. Tickets are priced at £55 per person which includes a welcome spritz, three course meal and the show.

For further information or booking details, visit:

https://www.thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk/downstairs-at-the-grand

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Independent, character driven, and deeply personal in its approach, the country house hotel has carved out a reputation not through excess or theatrical grandeur, but through refinement, atmosphere, and authenticity.

At a time when many hotels lean heavily into standardisation, Nuthurst Grange offers something more intimate. The property combines the romance of a traditional English country residence with the elevated comforts expected from a contemporary boutique retreat. Mature woodland surrounds the estate, gardens unfold across the grounds with quiet elegance, and every corner of the hotel feels intentionally designed to create calm.

It is this balance between timeless countryside charm and polished modern luxury that continues to attract guests from across the Midlands and beyond.

Originally built as a private residence during the late nineteenth century, the property began life as “Nuthurst Lodge” before evolving into the hotel known today. Over the decades, the building has changed hands between notable industrialists and businessmen, including former Birmingham MP Walter F. Higgs, each leaving subtle layers of history within the estate. Yet despite extensive refurbishments and modernisation, the soul of the original country house remains firmly intact.

There is a quiet confidence to the hotel’s design philosophy. Exposed beams, leaded windows, landscaped gardens, and classic architectural details preserve the heritage of the building, while upgraded suites, contemporary bathrooms, refined event spaces, and elegant interiors ensure the experience feels entirely current. Rather than replacing the past, Nuthurst Grange has chosen to evolve alongside it.

Since proprietor Paul Hopwood took ownership in 2006, the hotel has undergone a significant transformation. Bedrooms have been modernised, superior suites introduced, and the bridal suite elevated into one of the property’s most sought after spaces, complete with balcony views overlooking the Warwickshire countryside. The former stable block has also been reimagined into stylish function and lounge areas that now sit at the heart of the hotel’s events offering.

The challenge, of course, with any historic property is preserving character without allowing tradition to become restrictive. Nuthurst Grange achieves this by layering contemporary luxury carefully into the existing architecture. The result feels elegant rather than over designed. Sophisticated rather than overly formal.

"That atmosphere defines the hotel experience from the moment guests arrive"

The setting itself is one of the property’s greatest luxuries. Positioned near Hockley Heath, the hotel enjoys a rare duality. It feels entirely secluded, surrounded by countryside and woodland, yet remains exceptionally well connected to Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry, Warwick, Stratford upon Avon, the NEC, and Birmingham Airport. For guests, this creates a compelling sense of escape without inconvenience.

For leisure visitors, it becomes the ideal base from which to explore Shakespeare's country and the wider Midlands. For corporate guests, it offers a peaceful alternative to city centre conference venues. For couples planning weddings, the rural backdrop provides both privacy and beauty in equal measure.

"Weddings, in particular, have become one of the defining specialities of Nuthurst Grange"

The hotel has developed a reputation for delivering celebrations that feel luxurious without losing warmth or personality. Facilities include The Stables, The Packwood Function Suite, ceremony spaces, landscaped gardens, on site guest accommodation, and dedicated preparation areas including the aptly named “Hen House” bridal suite facilities.

Unlike larger commercial wedding venues, the experience here feels deeply bespoke. Packages can include ceremony room hire, arrival drinks, canapés, multi-course wedding breakfasts, evening receptions, and exclusive use of the property, but flexibility remains central to the hotel’s philosophy. Menus are tailored. Layouts are adapted. Styling is personalised. The emphasis is always on creating celebrations that reflect the couple rather than imposing a rigid template.

This same flexibility extends across the hotel’s broader events offering. Nuthurst Grange regularly hosts conferences, private dining experiences, anniversaries, charity events, business meetings, workshops, funeral receptions, and milestone celebrations. Yet despite the scale of its capabilities, the venue never feels corporate or impersonal.

"Dining also plays a major role in shaping the guest experience"

The Kingswood Restaurant and Orangery focus on modern British cuisine elevated through seasonal ingredients, elegant presentation, and understated sophistication. The atmosphere reflects the wider character of the hotel itself. Refined but relaxed. Stylish without pretension.

Alongside the restaurant, guests can enjoy The Henley Bar and Lounge, private dining spaces, bespoke event catering, and an outside terrace that becomes especially popular during warmer months. Wedding and event menus are also highly customisable, with chefs working closely alongside guests to create tailored dining experiences for celebrations and functions.

One of the most distinctive areas within the property remains The Stables. Converted from the original barn structures, the space perfectly encapsulates the hotel’s overall aesthetic. Rustic exposed brickwork and timber beams sit alongside elegant contemporary styling, creating a venue that feels atmospheric throughout every season.

Particularly impressive is the covered outdoor terrace area adjoining The Stables. Designed with heaters, seating areas, and a firepit beneath a canopy, the space allows guests to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year without the usual anxieties surrounding British weather. It has become a standout feature for weddings and evening events, bringing both practicality and ambience into one beautifully considered environment.

Beyond the physical setting, however, it is the service culture that truly defines Nuthurst Grange.

As an independently owned hotel, there is a level of flexibility and attentiveness that guests often struggle to find within larger hospitality groups. Staff are encouraged to personalise experiences wherever possible, whether through bespoke wedding styling, tailored event planning, exclusive use arrangements, surprise proposals, late night entertainment requests, or carefully curated dining experiences.

The hotel’s approach to hospitality feels instinctively human rather than procedural. Guests are welcomed personally. Requests are accommodated thoughtfully. The atmosphere remains warm, polished, and genuinely accommodating throughout your stay.

"That sense of individuality is increasingly valuable within luxury hospitality"

While the hotel does not currently hold formal accolades such as AA Rosettes, it has received recognition in the past and continues to focus less on chasing industry labels and more on delivering consistent guest experiences rooted in quality, comfort, and personal service.

In many ways, that perfectly reflects the ethos of Nuthurst Grange itself.

This is not a hotel attempting to imitate metropolitan luxury or fashionable trends. Instead, it embraces the enduring appeal of the English country house while quietly evolving for modern guests. It is elegant without becoming intimidating, luxurious without becoming ostentatious, and contemporary without sacrificing heritage.

For those seeking a countryside retreat with genuine character, thoughtful hospitality, and an atmosphere that feels both elevated and deeply personal, Nuthurst Grange offers something increasingly difficult to replicate: authenticity wrapped in understated luxury.

To find out more about this unique country house, visit:

nuthurstgrange.com

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Over the last five years, thousands of guests have enjoyed a stay in the grand-dame hotel’s 185 bedrooms. The Louis XIV-style ballroom, which features double-height windows, ornate ceilings, and original Art Deco chandeliers, has hosted grandiose celebrations. The French Renaissance façade remains a striking presence on Colmore Row, overlooking St Philip’s Cathedral and anchoring the city’s bustling business district.

The hotel employs hundreds of people, who act as architects of their guests’ special occasions, from birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and events. 13 of the staff have worked at the hotel since the reopening, making The Great Hotel a reliable and significant cornerstone of the Birmingham hospitality sector.

The Grade II-listed Victorian masterpiece was originally opened in 1879 and designed by Thomson Plevins, spurred on by the Second Birmingham Improvement Act of 1861. Almost 150 years later, The Grand Hotel remains a key driver of the city’s growing reputation.

In the hotel’s previous era, it hosted guests from Hollywood royalty, such as Charlie Chaplin, Bob Dylan and The Beatles, to actual royalty, such as King George V, the great-grandfather of King Charles. Over the last five years, The Grand has continued to be the choice hotel of the stars and has delivered world-class hospitality to guests from across the pond and further away.

Paying homage to its past, the in-house restaurant, Isaac’s, is named after Isaac Horton, who spearheaded the development of the landmark. Furthering the reverence of its history, Downstairs At The Grand has launched, which sees Isaac’s transform into a late-night sophisticated speakeasy.

During nights of secretive bustling, the Grand invites guests to take a further dive into the past with Club 1879, a night where no phones are allowed.

Celebrating half a decade of breathing new life into the Victorian landmark, the hotel has launched five carefully curated cultural collaborations that reinterpret the Grand experience for guests and the city alike.

Through the first partnership, handcrafted artworks from the Charles Pedone Art Collective are adorning the walls of guest suites throughout April-June.

Throughout the year, other collaborators will include Birmingham Book Club, the Chocolate Quarter, and Harvest Skincare.

The hotel partnered with University College Birmingham to host a cocktail competition for their students to submit a cocktail recipe that best represents The Grand and its legacy. The winner was announced on 13th May, World Cocktail Day. Five Years In Bloom, a delicate mix of London dry gin, elderflower liqueur and honey syrup, balanced with a sharp hit of fresh lemon juice and topped with champagne, was crowned the winner and is available on the Downstairs At The Grand menu for the remainder of 2026.

Since reopening, The Grand Hotel has received several awards and accolades, from Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, Midlands Food, Drink & Hospitality Awards, The Sunday Times Best Places to Stay 2021, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice and more.

Johan Scheepers, General Manager of The Grand Hotel, said, “Reaching the fifth anniversary of The Grand’s new era is such a monumental occasion for the entire team. The hotel has always been more than a place for guests to rest their heads since it opened, and that has continued into our new chapter.

With our fifth anniversary celebrations, we’re celebrating not just the last few years but also the longstanding legacy that we’re contributing to and the future of this iconic institution that we’re building.”

For more information or to make a reservation, go to https://www.thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk/

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2026 marks 5 years since the city’s ’Sleeping Beauty’ stirred after 20 years of slumber

To celebrate The Grand Hotel Birmingham will be launching 5 collaborations throughout the year, starting with an Artist Residency taking over guest suites

On May 18^th 2021, The Grand Hotel Birmingham reopened its doors following a £50 million restoration, ending nearly two decades of closure, and heralding a new era for one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Now, as it marks its fifth birthday in 2026, The Grand is celebrating in the most fitting way; through five carefully curated collaborations spanning food, drink, art, culture and wellbeing.

Originally opened in 1879 and designed by Thomson Plevins, The Grand Hotel is a Grade II* listed Victorian masterpiece. Its French Renaissance façade remains a striking presence on Colmore Row, overlooking St Philip’s Cathedral and anchoring the city’s business district. Inside, 185 bedrooms, the spectacular Grand Ballroom, Madeleine cocktail bar and Isaac’s restaurant blend historic grandeur with modern luxury.

To mark five years since its renaissance, the hotel has invited five partners to reinterpret The Grand experience for guests and the city alike.

The first partnership will see specially curated artworks from the Charles Pedone Art Collective adorning the walls of guest suites throughout April-June. The Artist Residency will offer visitors an intimate encounter with creativity during their stay as four suites are taken over by contemporary artists.

The ‘Timeless Visions’ themed residency will see selected suites become living galleries, with each representing the artists individual vision and disciplines. Inspired by architecture, William Storey has created a series of three-dimensional pieces, designed to depict the cultural and physical aspects of cities across the world, while The Mengyao Qin Suite focuses on bodies of movement and capturing dream-like elements, with art inspired by her visits to Birmingham Royal Ballet.

Art in the Imogen Morris Suite uses both paint and thread work, creating a juxtaposition between precise and free-flowing elements and The Charles Pedone Suite showcases contemporary abstracts with naturalistic influences, infused with 24 carat gold - each piece balancing opulence with tranquillity, created to be treasured for years to come.

All four suites are available to book from now until the end of June.

Throughout the year, other collaborations will include:

A Literary Partnership with Birmingham Book Club
After holding their meetings at The Grand Hotel since 1886, the Birmingham Book Club will curate a selection of five much-loved books. These titles will be available throughout the hotel, inviting guests to slow down and savour the joy of reading within The Grand’s storied surroundings.

A Chocolate Collaboration with Chocolate Quarter
Artisan chocolatiers Chocolate Quarter will create an exclusive chocolate for The Grand Hotel, which will be added to Madeleine’s signature afternoon tea for a limited time.

A Signature Cocktail Creation with University College Birmingham

Students from University College Birmingham will collaborate with the bar team from Isaac’s and Downstairs at The Grand, to craft a limited-edition anniversary cocktail, celebrating Birmingham’s thriving drinks scene.

A wellness partnership with Harvest Skincare
Bringing a touch of luxury to the anniversary year, The Grand has partnered with Harvest Skincare to give guests the best night’s sleep with their signature Sleep Mist, handmade locally with calming botanicals.

Together, the five collaborations honour The Grand Hotel’s journey from historic landmark to modern cultural hub. Since reopening, the hotel has become more than a place to stay; it has re-established itself as a gathering space for Birmingham’s business community, creatives, tourists and visitors alike.

Johan Scheepers, General Manager of The Grand Hotel, said, "Reaching our fifth anniversary is an incredibly proud moment for everyone at The Grand. When we reopened in 2021, it was about more than restoring a historic building, it was about reigniting a landmark that means so much to Birmingham. Over the past five years, we’ve welcomed guests from around the world, hosted unforgettable celebrations in our Grand Ballroom, and re-established The Grand as a place where the city comes together.

These collaborations are a celebration of talent and creativity. They reflect exactly what The Grand stands for today, honouring our heritage while embracing the energy and innovation of the city around us.”

Details of the collaborations will be released in due course, across the year.

For more information, please visit: https://www.thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk/

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This Mother’s Day (Sunday 15th March), The Grand Hotel Birmingham is providing the perfect setting for celebrations, whether guests are looking to indulge in a decadent afternoon tea, enjoy a roast dinner with all the trimmings, or get dressed up and sing along to music’s most-loved female icons.

Afternoon Tea will be served in the Madeleine Bar from 1pm until 5pm, featuring individual towers of sandwiches, intricate patisseries, and hand-made scones, with seasonal jam and clotted cream. Served alongside a selection of artisan teas, the afternoon tea is priced at £36.95 pp, with the option to upgrade and add a glass of Simpson’s English sparkling wine for £46.95 pp. A Mini Madeleine’s afternoon tea is also available for under 12s for £22.

Downstairs at Isaac’s, guests can enjoy premium cuts of beef sirloin, leg of lamb and Tamworth pork, as part of the Classic Sunday Roast, served with all the trimmings. Perfect for marking the occasion with the whole family, tables are available for booking from 12pm.

As the night draws in, The Grand Hotel Birmingham’s well-loved speakeasy, Downstairs at The Grand, is hosting a special evening to celebrate our favourite famous mothers. Guests can expect an unforgettable night of live music, featuring tributes to iconic mothers, including everyone from Adele to Beyoncé, with plenty of opportunities to sing along. Paired with a delicious three-course dinner and a glass of fizz upon arrival, tickets start at £49pp, with the evening getting underway from 5pm.

For the ultimate queen treatment, guests can extend the celebrations with an overnight stay. With rates starting from £121 per night when booked directly through the hotel’s website, The Grand Hotel is the perfect place to relax, dine and celebrate, to say thank you to mothers and mother figures, from Birmingham and beyond.

General Manager, Johan Scheepers, said, ‘’This Mother’s Day, we have so many ways for our guests to celebrate their way, whether it’s with a relaxed lunch or afternoon tea, or dancing the night away. We want to help make every mother and mother figure feel extra special, and we look forward to marking the occasion with them on the 15th March.”

For more information and to reserve your table for this Mother’s Day, visit:

www.thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk

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Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Abberley, The Manor at Abberley offers an elegant retreat for those seeking a refined British countryside escape. Proudly holding a prestigious 5-star AA rating and awarded two AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, the property combines exceptional dining with warm, attentive hospitality, set against the timeless beauty of the Worcestershire countryside.

This charming 17th-century gastro pub with rooms blends historic character with contemporary comfort, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. A true destination for food lovers, the kitchen is led by chef Alex Boghian, whose experience includes helping several establishments secure a place in the Michelin Guide. His menus showcase beautifully presented, imaginative pub dishes that celebrate quality ingredients and seasonal flavours. 

Inside, guests can unwind by the wood-burning stove in the cosy front room, while a spacious dining area to the rear opens onto a terrace and lawn, offering a peaceful setting for leisurely lunches and evening drinks. This seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces also makes The Manor an exquisite choice for intimate weddings, private dining, and exclusive gatherings looking for a refined countryside setting.

The nine individually styled bedrooms are located on the first floor and feature original oak beams, soft furnishings and views across rolling hills and woodland. A leisurely breakfast is included, with a choice of a full English or vegan feast, eggs royale, avocado on toast or wholesome granola bowls.

From the doorstep, guests can wander along scenic country footpaths or venture further afield to the Malvern Hills, where panoramic views reward the climb. Nearby Worcester offers cultural appeal with its magnificent cathedral, before returning to The Manor to enjoy a locally brewed ale and a thoughtfully curated menu of elevated pub classics and expertly grilled dishes.

EMAIL

enquiries@themanorabberley.co.uk

TELEPHONE

01299 890300

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