Nestled in the heart of Birmingham stands a breathtaking landmark hotel, steeped in history and elegance: The Grand Hotel Birmingham. Originally envisioned by Isaac Horton in 1879 and brought to life through the visionary designs of Thomson Plevins, this grand building has stood the test of time; playing host to royalty, rock stars and celebrities from every corner of the globe.
After a £45million restoration and refurbishment, Birmingham’s original grande-dame hotel has emerged from a nearly two-decade hiatus, poised to reclaim its rightful place as a beacon of hospitality and refinement. Across our stay, my mum and I were captivated by the hotel’s grandeur and charm, making memories to cherish for years to come.
Location
As the UK’s fourth most visited city, Birmingham’s allure attracts visitors from around the globe. From its five Michelin-starred restaurants to the enchanting Jewellery Quarter, where 40% of the UK’s jewellery finds its genesis, Birmingham weaves a spell that’s hard to resist. And let’s not forget the 35 miles of winding canals that crisscross Birmingham – a network that even rivals Venice, adding a touch of romanticism to its urban charm.
But perhaps, most significantly, Birmingham stands at the cusp of a new era, building on the success of the 2022 Commonwealth Games. The re-opening of The Grand Hotel symbolises this transformative journey – a beacon of elegance and refinement rising from the heart of the city.
The Grand Hotel
In a seamless fusion of modern luxury and Birmingham’s rich heritage, the interiors of The Grand Hotel stand as a testament to elegant design. Crafted by the renowned Robert Angell Design International, every corner whispers sophistication and comfort.
The careful selection of artwork and accessories infuses the space with charm and wit. From subtle nods to the city’s history to playful touches, each element adds depth to the hotel’s ambience.
The striking grand staircase inside the hotel stands as a meticulously restored and renovated masterpiece, evoking the elegance of a bygone era. It has become a destination in its own right, capturing the essence of timeless grandeur.
The overarching concept behind the design was to capture the essence of contemporary Birmingham while honouring the building’s original features. With meticulous attention to detail, the designers have succeeded in creating a space that resonates with both locals and visitors alike, inviting them to experience the city’s soul in every moment spent within these walls.
Artwork auctions
Upon entering The Grand Hotel, my attention is immediately captivated by an impressive collection of over 200 artworks, all precisely crafted by talented local artists from Birmingham and the West Midlands; including Charles Pedone, Arthur Mace, Betsy Brandley and Art Story Studio.
From original paintings to fine art prints, photographs, mixed media and striking 3D wall art, each artwork offers a unique glimpse into the city’s rich cultural heritage and artistic innovation.
Grand Deluxe Room
The Grand Hotel’s luxury bedrooms offer a two-story Penthouse, and spacious suites and cater to families with interconnecting rooms, embodying grand living at its finest. Equipped with Penhaligon’s amenities, the bathrooms add a touch of luxury to the overall experience.
As my mum and I stepped through the door of our Grand Deluxe bedroom, we were immediately struck by the level of detail and elegance that surrounded us. The space feels expansive yet cosy, with carefully selected furnishings and a unique colour palette that radiates sophistication. The soft textures and materials create a sense of comfort and luxury, inviting us to unwind and relax.
As I take in the specially commissioned artwork adorning the walls, I feel a sense of appreciation for the attention to detail that has gone into every aspect of the room’s design. From the sumptuous bedding to the thoughtful placement of decor, it’s clear that The Grand Hotel has spared no expense in creating a truly memorable experience for its guests.
In this sanctuary of style and refinement, I know that our stay will be nothing short of extraordinary.
Dinner at Opheem
The highly anticipated Opheem package has recently been unveiled and it’s making waves in the culinary world with the recent win of two Michelin stars. Fresh off the heels of its recent achievement of winning a second Michelin star, Opheem is ready to elevate dining experiences to new heights! Here, Chef Aktar Islam opens the doors to his creative process, offering a glimpse into his innovative approach to Indian flavours.
With an ever-evolving seasonal menu that’s flawlessly updated and curated multiple times a year, there’s an option of either a 5-course or 10-course menu, allowing you to tailor your desired length of experience.
First up for our 10-course tasting menu, we tried the Tabak maas – Kashir, a Kashmiri delicacy featuring succulent tandoori BBQ mutton rib. Next, the Gajar – Lucknow, featuring heritage carrot, lentil pakora, mint and coriander. For a taste of Persian elegance, the Badami Korma-Perisian featured an Orkney scallop, mooli, apple and almond. Aloo Tuk-Delhi was next, a tantalising creation featuring achaari pink fir potato, mango and tamarind.
Continuing our culinary odyssey, the Allepy – Kerala presents Cornish monkfish, green bean compote and raw mango & coconut. Up next was the Pau, featuring cumin milk loaf, onion bhuna butter and shorba. Packing a taste of Punjab, the Saagwala-Punjab, features aged sirloin, braised beef cheek, BBQ greens and spinach. As the culinary adventure nears its end, the Aam – Ratnagiri, featuring Alphonso mango, lime, yuzu and passion fruit, packed an indulgent treat.
Finally, to conclude we had the Cheree – Kashmir, a decadent dessert featuring Valrhona chocolate, sour cherry and hazelnut. This indulgent treat was a fitting finale to the meal, offering a symphony of flavours and textures that leave a lasting impression.
Madeleine Bar
Boasting a luxurious cocktail bar adorned with double-height windows framing the city’s pulse, sparkling chandeliers that illuminate the space with a soft ethereal glow and sumptuous soft furnishings, from the moment you step inside Madeleine, you’re enveloped in an ambience that is both super-glamorous and irresistibly inviting.
As we settled into our seats, savouring the exquisite flavours from our Champagne Cocktail (this exquisite libation combines the richness of Rémy Martin 1738 with the subtle sweetness of spiced sugar, perfectly paired with the effervescence of Collet Brut Champagne), it became clear that leaving Madeleine’s enchanting embrace may prove difficult later on in the evening – and understandably so!
The allure of its opulent surroundings and impeccable service creates an atmosphere where time seems to stand still. Subsequently, within no time at all, we find ourselves lingering into endless conversation around my recent engagement, whilst indulging in the finer things of life.
Isaac’s
As we step through the doors at Isaac’s, we’re greeted by an atmosphere that resonates with the vibrant energy of the Big Apple! Transported to the bustling streets of Manhattan while nestled in the heart of the Midlands, Isaac’s embodies the essence of a New York-style eatery. Adorned with green and white metro tiles, accented by plush leather dining booths, the ambiance exudes urban chic with a touch of timeless elegance.
From iconic deli sandwiches to artisanal pizzas and hearty burgers, Isaac’s offers a diverse array of dishes that capture the essence of New York’s eclectic dining scene.
Afternoon Tea at Madeleine
The origins of afternoon tea date back to 1840 when Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford and close friend of Queen Victoria, first introduced the ritual to fill the mid-afternoon hunger pangs with cake, tea, and bread and butter… and what a fantastic idea it was!
Amidst this backdrop of classy indulgence, Madeleine’s signature afternoon tea experience unfolds – a symphony of seasonal flavours and delicate treats that beckon with each bite. As we sink into our cosy velvet seats, savouring a flute of Chalklands Classic Champagne, the enchanting halls of Madeleine come alive, with a whimsical celebration as they unveil a Sleeping Beauty-themed afternoon tea, in collaboration with the Birmingham Royal Ballet.
As we’re transported into the magical world of fairy tales and ballet, the air soon fills with anticipation as we prepare ourselves to indulge in a feast fit for royalty, inspired by the timeless tale of Sleeping Beauty.
Top of the tier to kick-start this sophisticated affair; free-range egg mayonnaise brioche roll, Wiltshire roasted ham with whole grain mustard emulsion, hot smoked salmon paired with capers & lemon and a ‘Wookey Hole’ cheddar quiche featuring blackberry and redcurrant chutney. Next up, it was time to pair our Pain d’epice and Earl Grey-soaked golden raisin scones, with a tantalising spiced cranberry preserve, blackberry curd and whipped Rodda’s clotted cream.
To close, it was time for us to explore the dessert selection; a clementine and pistachio tart, spiced carrot cake and a chocolate and blackberry mousse atop a crunchy chocolate base.
As we sipped on fragrant teas and raised a glass to this captivating collaboration, I was reminded of the enduring magic of storytelling and the transformative power of art.
Final Thoughts…
Concluding my exploration of The Grand Hotel Birmingham, I am thoroughly impressed by its grandeur and elegance. From the moment we stepped inside, we were surrounded by a world of sophistication and luxury. The hotel’s stunning architecture and rich history are evident in every detail, from the ornate furnishings to the impeccable service.
Throughout our stay, I couldn’t help but marvel at the attention to detail and the dedication to providing my mum and I with an unforgettable experience. From the spacious rooms to the exquisite dining options, The Grand Hotel truly lives up to its name. As we bid farewell to this iconic establishment, I carry with me memories of a truly grand experience that will linger for years to come.
Whether one seeks respite in its luxurious accommodations, indulges in the culinary delights of its bars and restaurants, orchestrates a gathering of minds or basks in the charisma of its enchanting events, there’s a place for everyone in this unfolding narrative.
To find out more visit: thegrandhotelbirmingham.co.uk
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All imagery courtesy of The Grand Hotel Birmingham.