Oddfellows project joins Design Hotels
Oddfellows On The Park, a new 22-guestroom boutique hotel, has launched in Bruntwood Park, Manchester. Featuring a restaurant, bar and salon, the property marks the first hotel in the UK outside of London to be welcomed into the Design Hotels consortium.
Situated amidst 120 acres of parkland, the opening follows a fifteen-month restoration process that transformed Bruntwood Hall, a gothic Victorian mansion, into the second Oddfellows hotel.
Designed by Tim Groom Architects, with interiors by SpaceInvader – both Manchester-based studios – considered details such as a bike chain chandelier feature throughout, inspired by the Bruntwood Park BMX track nearby. Guestrooms range from the Bridle Suite, set on three floors within the hall’s atmospheric tower, to Playground Suites, Club Rooms and entry-level Park Rooms.
Katie Crossley, Associate Designer, SpaceInvader, comments: “Our approach was to respect its character and beautiful features – to be inspired by them, enhance them and design a romantic scheme that celebrates the history of the building and its unique position. It is a fantastic example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and our treatment of the internal areas has been inspired by this – the colour palette which provides a commonality throughout the hotel includes dark greens and blacks which are lifted by luxurious gold and neutral tones. While many features in the hotel may seem odd at first glance, everything is odd for a reason and has a story behind it that relates back to the building, its varied occupants or uses over the years.”
The property is home to The Galloping Major, headed up by Chef Ian Moss, as well as The Stud Room bar, several flexible event spaces, the Parlor Bar and Parlor Rooms, and a terrace that can cater for both intimate functions and busy weddings. Oddfellows On The Park also houses The Pigsty, a salon de beauté with two treatment rooms and a rasul mud room.
Jonathan Slater of Oddfellows Hotels adds: “It has been a wonderfully creative and challenging journey transforming and restoring Bruntwood Hall into the hotel it is today. It was a priority for us to retain the charm of the building in all its original glory – with a distinct nod to the building’s history and its position within the park. We look forward to sharing our wonderful hotel with the guests that will make it come to life again. Our restaurant, bar and salon are all pitched to embrace our local community. Manchester and South Manchester have a strong demand for quality dining experiences and The Galloping Major, named after one of the Hall’s previous occupants, will be a perfect complement to the region’s already excellent restaurant scene.”
