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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