Today, Locke Hotels unveiled its most ambitious venue to date, Whitworth Locke, in the heart of Manchester. The 160-studio aparthotel, designed around a central glass atrium, includes a crossfit gym, third wave coffee house, an exclusive pop-up cocktail bar and immersive co-working spaces for both guests and city residents.
Previously a cotton mill, the venue has been transformed to reflect the city’s culture, taking inspiration from its industrial past and progressive present.
Responding to the changing trends of today’s traveller, each studio and suite is designed to revolve around Locke’s designer living spaces, allowing guests to surround themselves in space and comfort. The result is a modern take on the designer aspirational second home with bespoke bathrooms and fully-fitted kitchens, ideal for short and longer stays.
Eric Jafari, Locke’s Co-Founder and Creative Director puts into words; “Whitworth Locke encompasses our ambitions and is demonstrative of the brand’s future. This is a very special project for us.”
Formally consisting of three former export mills, one grade 2 listed in the Scottish Baronial Style, Whitworth Locke has been knitted together by a blush colour palette and a magnificent glass atrium which features The Conservatory, an exclusive pop-up cocktail bar with a passion for mixology, music and events.
Manchester’s renowned Foundation Coffee brings FDN Whitworth, a backdrop where people can socialise, showcase art, enjoy weekly cinema nights and some of the best coffee the city has to offer.
Locke Hotels has launched its own crossfit gym, The Locker Room. The premium fitness space includes equipment focused on bodyweight exercise, a hydration and cool down space and regular complimentary classes for guests, including yoga and guided meditation. Smoked mirrors wrap around the studio to create an optimum environment for exercise.
The new lifestyle destination also includes a co-working space for guests and city residents. Combined with regular events, Locke helps people to connect with like-minded people that share an affinity for the arts, wellness and personal evolution, offering an all-encompassing destination and experience.
Eric continues: “We know modern travellers increasingly value their social experiences and personal connections. We’ve created a space where people can truly feel at home. From our perspective, a second home is more than the four walls, it’s defined by a combination of your community and ability to maintain your daily habits.”
Whitworth Locke follows the brand’s successful opening of Eden Locke in Edinburgh 2017 and East London’s Leman Locke which opened in October 2016.