Inside Midland Hotel With Mike Magrane

Inside Manchester’s Midland, with Mike Magrane! 

Famously where Mr Rolls met Mr Royce, The Beatles got turned away for being too scruffy and where Winston Churchill supped ice-cold beverages; The Midland is a Grade II listed Hotel which has been in the heart of Manchester for 111years now; forming a solid part of our city’s landscape, history and culture.

Quite rightly so, Channel 5 have produced a 4-Part documentary which goes behind the desks and down in the cellars of The Midland, so finally we can all have a good snoop!

As the General Manager of such a monumental Hotel, we’re sure we’d be nervous letting the camera crew in, “we weren’t sure about what angle they’d go on” whilst continuing to admit that, “ it’d be naïve to say it is all rosey and sunny.” Much like every business…

Opening the opportunity for a bit of controversy, Mike Magrane (The GM) made the decision to allow the filming, so the public could know “about the journey and the people of the hotel.” He humbly admitted, “there’ll be times where people do say gosh I didn’t realise that happened…. but that makes for better viewing doesn’t it!” That’s exactly what we’re tuning in for!

The Nation went mad for Downton, resulting in the staff at The Midland being asked to dress in their outfits to appeal to the American audience. They refused. Good on them! However, we were curious to find out if there are similarities to this factual, modern-day equivalent, “it’s a little more real than Downton probably.” The cameras don’t take 2 here!

We can’t wait to see! Regardless of how polished things seem upfront, you know that under the surface there’s a world of secrets… “the action is really in the back of house, that’s where the story is.” We knew we could rely on the staff for the drama, but it’s always the middlemen who get the best stories.

In this case, that’s definitely the housekeepers! Overloaded with fascinating and obscene tales, the pair in charge have worked alongside each other for over 10 years and spend more time together than with their own families. Think Mrs Hughes and Mr Carson… kind of; except their friendship comes with less romance and more situations which involve a man who “forgot his prosthetic leg… it was in lost property at one stage… much to the amusement and shock of housekeeping!” You’ll be pleased to know, it was eventually reclaimed.

Some of the staff have been there that long that they can “tell stories all the way back to the 60’s and George Best’s time.” Perhaps we won’t get a full account of exactly what the Best boy was up to in the swinging sixties, but Charlotte from Geordie Shore, “certainly knows how to play it with a TV crowd.” Apparently we’re in for some good viewing!

There’s such a sense of tradition about The Midland, think the Titanic come Downton with a hint of Coronation Street, minus the iceberg… and the boat. Obviously. But the history and intimacy is quite incomparable; “most hotels don’t have that history that can tell stories all the way through and bring the romance to it.” A great deal of the original décor is in place and you can sit in your suite envisaging the folk that sat around your fireplace over a century ago.

This is what separates The Midland from its competitors. You don’t turn up to a chain Hotel and feel the history and hospitability pouring through every coat of paint; usually you see something very different indeed coming through the flakes. And it’s not just about “keeping the history alive, keeping the Midland relevant,” but “making sure that it’s always telling a story” at the same time.

The Midland appreciates Manchester just as Manchester values the Midland; there’s “a reality and truth of our Northern city.” As the second most desirable place to live in the UK, it exudes this sense of comradeship and we all share a secret, the secret that we’re really the best! “There’s so much excitement in Manchester; it’s not just old, it’s not just new, it’s just appealing all the way around.” 

As an 111year old establishment, you’d think that The Midland would struggle to retain its position in modern society, but you’d be wrong. They’re consistently keeping it alive and fresh, like with the new gym, spa and restaurants by award winning Chef Simon Rogan!

Keeping a hold of the most important traditions, such as the 460 stronghold of staff having excellent interpersonal skills, they also note that  “technology is key.” It certainly seems that The Midland is here for good, and we do hope so! Parting words? “Watch it, enjoy it and support the Midland!” Here here!