JLife chats to Mike Magrane – general manager at the Manchester Midland Hotel – about the iconic venue’s documentary ‘Inside Manchester’s Midland Hotel’ airing on 1st June on Channel 5.
The show will first air on 1st June at 9pm on Channel 5 and will run for four episodes.
How did the TV opportunity come about?
Around a year ago we were approached by Chocolate Media (the producers for the four-part documentary ‘Inside Manchester’s Midland Hotel’). We liked the way they came across and how they talked it through with us. In the past we have been approached by other TV shows but until now nothing seemed right for the hotel.
What motivated The Midland Hotel to take part?
Firstly, Alan Brown – Executive Producer for Chocolate Media – brought to us his vision for the show. He was educated at the University of Manchester and told us, during his time here, how The Midland made an impression on him.
A fly on the wall production was a great opportunity to showcase the hotel – its history, its people and its iconic status. Our story is not just integral to Manchester; the opportunity to reach a wider audience was one not to miss.
What makes the Midland an iconic venue?
The fact that it will never be built again means it is a unique venue. It’s a big building in the city centre – new hotels can’t compete as they don’t have our history, our pedigree or our stories.
I’ve been at The Midland for 10 years and alongside the other staff we are proud to work here. We have staff that have been here over 50 years such as the Head Concierge. It’s the people that make The Midland not the brand.
How did the filming fit into the running of the hotel?
By working in partnership with the production company, the crew and cameras didn’t get in the way – it worked very well and fitted perfectly into the day-to-day running of the hotel. We discussed it with clients and our staff; however as with anything there are people who don’t want to be filmed but the majority of our team are used to it.
Has the hotel changed following the filming?
The most major change for the hotel has been the £1.5 million redevelopment of the spa. The documentary showed the area closing down and since the end of December we have been working on it – The Spa At The Midland recently opened at the beginning of June. It is now the largest relaxation facility around. Because of the hotel’s size it can accommodate 40-60 people.
What experience does it have in delivering Jewish events such as Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs and weddings?
The Midland Hotel is consistently hosting Jewish events and we are a very popular venue for weddings and Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs. To meet kosher regulations we section off our kitchen; we – one of only a few venues in Manchester – understand how it works and we work well with our partners to deliver successful events. It is a key part of our business.
Are there any future developments planned for the hotel?
Since we bought the hotel in 2004, we have consistently invested in ongoing refurbishment – this is what makes The Midland special and allows us to keep writing stories. Across the whole hotel, all bedrooms are being refurbished.
We’re just finishing a private dining facility at The French by Simon Rogan. This has six new tables, a restroom and a cloakroom. The Alexandra Suite has also received a £100,000 refurbishment.
