MANCHESTER CITY MOXY HOTEL REVIEW: GET AHEAD WITH A HAT

THEY say that to get ahead you should get a hat and Moxy Hotel Manchester City boasts a whole wall of them. 

The Marriott Bonvoy’s experiential hotel brand, officially opened in Manchester at the start of the year and presents its ever stylish vibe to the heart of Spinningfields. 

You can’t really get more City than where it is. 

With its pink neon signage on top of its metal panelled exterior, the contemporary neighbourhood hotel offers a youthful fun atmosphere to those looking for a place to be.

For those travelling by train, plane or bus, its centrally located and a nearby NCP car park accommodates those who travel by car - remember to download the app first though. 

The minute you walk in you know you are in for some sociable times. 

All guests arriving are offered a premixed cocktail (there’s a zero alcohol option too) just to kick off your free time. 

The lounge area of the hotel offers quirky furnishings with colourful scatter cushions and little nods to the surrounding culture and history. 

At Moxy City Manchester, you’ll find test tubes on shelves - a nod to the chemists that used to be there, cushions in the shape of knots - a reminder of the cotton that was made there,  and hats aplenty - addressing the old hat factory there. 

There were also old style gym lockers against one of the walls and a football table and annexed off of that a private office type space for board meetings or communal gatherings. 

At weekends there’s DJs behind one of the desks at the entrance and card and board games aplenty as well as books to read to pass the time. 

It’s got a cool, uncomplicated vibe and the smiles on guests faces says it all. 

On arrival one of Moxy’s artists was completing a colourful mural on the back wall. 

We checked in, got our welcoming drink, and caught a lift which was emblazoned with the lyrics Love Will Tear Us Apart - a tribute to Joy Division’s Factory Records link to the city. 

We encountered a couple of greyhounds waiting for their floor - as the hotel is pet friendly. 

The room itself was spotless and a sign told us everything had just been given a swoosh of anti bacterial liquid including the remote control (always comforting). 

The mirrors are perfect for selfies and the mood lighting is a perfect start to the weekend - with a motion centred light under the bed for those night time bathroom excursions. 

Closets are open walled and everything is minimalistic so there’s less clutter and more sleek lines. 

The platform beds had fresh white mattresses and the pillows had just enough bounce while in the bathroom there are walk in showers and the pink hand and body soap smelled lovely too. 

We resisted watching Netflix on the telly to explore the surrounding area of Spinningfields and its cool mix of shops and restaurants.  

We were a guest of Ducie Street Warehouse and loved the freshly made food and trendy atmosphere in spacious surroundings and also visited our favourite Chinese restaurant The Rice Bowl, with its gluten free vegetarian options and stylish tables, the following day. 

Breakfast at The Moxy is even better than you’d imagine. 

There is much more than muffins and cookies, as guests can enjoy a self service hot or cold buffet with cold meats and cheeses, breads, fruits, an extensive cereal bar, yoghurts, a traditional English brekkie, and a mix of hot and cold drinks. 

Machines will dispense regular breakfast drinks - with a separate fridge offering more choice to those who wish to pay a little extra for the drink of their choice. 

The Moxy bar has a host of cocktails on offer too with beers, spirits, wine, Moxy syrup blend, non-alcoholic Fauxy Moxy,or the booze fuelled Disco Diva in a disco ball with Vodka, Vanilla, Limoncello, Citrus Elderflower, Pomegranate, and Prosecco.

 There’s also a dedicated barista counter for a coffee fix, and Grab n Go snacks and beverages available 24/7 for those late night cravings. 

Staff at the nine storey hotel were so friendly and informative about the local surroundings and history. 

They went out their way to help with any requests too. 

The Moxy is perfect for an easy and energised staycation.  For full transparency we were a guest of the hotel for our stay but would definitely revisit. 

 Rooms are available from £99.

.To book your stay at Moxy Manchester city visit www.MoxyManchesterCity.com | @MoxyMcr  #PLAYON #ATTHEMOXY

 

BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH LAUNCHES 2022 SEASON PASS

BLACKPOOL Pleasure Beach is enjoying its 125th Anniversary and is launching its 2022 Platinum Club Season Pass, offering unlimited access to the park throughout the year from just £90 for a limited time only.

As regular readers of the Showbizlion.com might know, we are huge fans of the famous Pleasure. Beach and can’t wait to go back there. 

 Existing Platinum Club Season Pass holders can renew for just £90 whilst anyone purchasing a pass for the first time can get one for the great price of £99.  All holders can enjoy all of the rides as well as access to many on park events throughout the season. 

The discounted Season Pass, which would usually cost £189.60, is only available at this reduced price until 30^th September 2021. With a saving of over £90, fun lovers can gain full access to the park everyday of the 2022 season. 

Speaking on the limited time offer, a Blackpool Pleasure Beach spokesperson, commented: “2021 has been a challenging year for many and it’s made us realise the value of spending time with loved ones. 

“We’ve launched our 2021 Platinum Pass at an unbeatable price to give everyone a fun, entertaining and safe experience to enjoy throughout next year.

“We have so many exciting things planned for our visitors, alongside our usual offering of brilliant rides and coasters, the Platinum Club Season Pass really is exceptional value for money.”

Blackpool Pleasure Beach is home to some of Britain’s most popular rollercoasters; including the UK’s first double launch rollercoaster – ICON which launches riders with the same acceleration as a Formula One car, The UK’s tallest rollercoaster The Big One, plus many others including classics like the Big Dipper and Grand National.

Home to the UK’s only Nickelodeon Land, there are 12 rides the whole family can enjoy, including an exhilarating ride on classic wooden coaster Nickelodeon Streak and a whirl on SpongeBob’s Splash Bash. Little ones can meet their favourite Nick characters, including PAW Patrol, and be entertained by performances from Team Nick. 

All Platinum Club Season Pass get a range of great discounts at Blackpool Pleasure Beach on everything from food and drink, gifts, and even hotel stays.  More information on these can be found here.

The September Season Pass offer is the cheapest that these passes will be, and with the price set to rise in subsequent months, now is the time to buy or renew.

Further information on the Platinum Pass and the discounted offer can be found here. For further information on Blackpool Pleasure Beach, or to book eTickets, please visit: https://www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com/

 

TIGERLILY EDINBURGH WELCOMES BELVEDERE ORGANIC INFUSIONS TERRACE

 

STUNNING BOTANICAL-THEMED POP-UP SET TO BE THE CAPITAL’S HOTTEST ALFRESCO COCKTAIL DESTINATION THIS SUMMER 

 

The showbizlion.com popped through to Edinburgh to sample the brand new  Belvedere Organic Infusions Terrace at Tigerlily in Edinburgh.

Belvedere, the world’s first super-premium vodka, has launched the stunning new outdoor terrace, located in the heart of stylish George Street, just as we escape lockdown. 

And it promises to be the city’s hottest alfresco summer destination; a fitting showcase for the Belvedere Organic Infusions debut in Scotland.

 

The setting is so pretty with lots of floral arrangements to complement the incredible cocktail and food offering. 

The tastes are light and sparkling and the perfect way to ease ourselves out of the darkness of the last few months. 

Made With Nature, with 100%-certified organic fruits, flowers, herbs and honey, and with ingredients that are farmed with no artificial pesticides, additives, or chemicals, the natural taste of each ingredient in the Belvedere Organic Infusions range is unique, intriguing and intensely delicious.

 

From July until September, cocktail lovers can enjoy the taste of summer courtesy of Tigerlily’s renowned drinks expert Joey Medrington who has curated a Belvedere Organic Infusions menu especially for the terrace, and with combinations not typically found in vodka. Signature serves are based on the new Belvedere Organic Infusions range;Pear, Ginger with a drop of Linden honey, Lemon, Basil with a touch of elderflower and Blackberry, Lemongrass with a hint of sage.

 

 Three new summer cocktails created by Joey, at £9 each are:

 

Wild Berry Spritz – Crisp / Effervescent / Fruity

Belvedere Organics Blackberry & Lemongrass | Sauvignon Blanc | Bramble Liqueur 

 

Orchard Blossom Fix – Tropical / Fresh / Elegant

Belvedere Organics Pear & Ginger | Lychee | Bittered Sling Lem Marrakech | Soda

 

Solstice Smash – Fruity / Vibrant / Zingy

Belvedere Organics Lemon & Basil | Velvet Falernum | Summer Berries | Tonka Bean | Basil 

 

Alternatively, Joey has created these classic options for The Perfect Serve, at £8.75 each:

 

Belvedere Organics Lemon & Basil with London Essence Peach & Jasmine

 

Belvedere Organics Blackberry & Lemongrass with Fever Tree Tonic

 

Belvedere Organics Pear & Ginger with Fever Tree Ginger Ale

 

 Adding to the sensory thrill of the Belvedere Organic Infusions Terrace at Tigerlily is stunning insta-worthy décor reflecting the beautiful botanical theme, outdoor heating for when day becomes night, and the finest summer soundtracks.

Belvedere Organic Infusions Terrace at Tigerlily; a chic new on-street destination, perfect for brunch with friends, all-day dining, or spontaneous summer evening vibes with a Belvedere Organic Infusions cocktail in hand.

 

 

EDINBURGH BOOK FEST IS GOING OUTDOORS FOR 2021

EDINBURGH International Book Festival is going fully outdoor this year and will stream online. 

The biggest book fest in the UK has cconfirmed that the 2021 Festival will take place from Saturday 14 to Monday 30 August 2021 from the beautiful indoor and open, grassy outdoor spaces of the University of Edinburgh’s Edinburgh College of Art on Lauriston Place.

  While the full programme and event details will not be announced until the end of June, the Book Festival team are planning a range of live online author talks, workshops and readings and, only if circumstances permit, some events for in person, albeit socially distanced, audiences.  

 Nick Barley, Director of the Edinburgh International Book Festival said, “While we are now experiencing a full lockdown in Scotland which is challenging for so many people on so many levels, we very much hope that the combination of this, together with the ongoing vaccination programme, will bring the virus under control by August.  While 2020 proved extremely challenging for the Book Festival it also opened up some extraordinarily exciting opportunities.  

Building on the success of our online Book Festival we can now announce that we will be entering into a new strategic partnership with the University of Edinburgh that will enable us to inhabit this innovative space in 2021 with facilities to create events for both digital and, if circumstances permit, physical audiences.

 “Covid19 has created a huge tectonic shift in the way that live events, ourselves included, can reach their audiences.  With in-person ticket sales impossible to forecast this August, we simply can't justify incurring the costs of the tents and infrastructure we'd normally put into Charlotte Square Gardens.    It is highly probable that most events will take place online, and the need for broadcast studios is more likely than large venues for an audience.    

 “In the grassy courtyard of Edinburgh College of Art we will, if rules allow, recreate the elements of the Book Festival that our audiences love – bookshops, cafes and open spaces in which to come together safely offering the ‘oasis of calm’ for which the Book Festival is renowned.  The College offers excellent studio and theatre facilities for both online broadcasting and potential events with a socially distanced audience.”

 He added “We intend that this partnership with the University will be a long-term arrangement, and the Book Festival will continue to occupy their spaces when a Covid-free Festival, with audiences able to enjoy live events in person, can be staged.    However digital events will continue to be a key part of future Book Festivals, enabling us to reach truly global audiences as well as those closer to home who face barriers to attending the event.  We are excited that our hybrid festivals of the future will engage with authors and audiences around the world in a more environmentally responsible way.”

 Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, Professor Peter Mathieson, said, “We were delighted to be asked by the Edinburgh International Book Festival to support future events through this mutually beneficial arrangement. Building on our existing partnership this new deeper relationship will help to ensure that people in Edinburgh, and all over the world, can continue to come together to explore the power of ideas through their love of literature.”   

This strategic partnership gives the Edinburgh International Book Festival licence to occupy spaces within the University of Edinburgh’s Edinburgh College of Art in August.  The University of Edinburgh will operate catering and bar provisions, if permitted by the Government’s Covid19 guidelines, while the Book Festival is on. 

The 2020 Edinburgh International Book Festival presented a fully digital programme In August, with 146 online events ranging from daily draw-alongs to conversations with Bernardine Evaristo, Douglas Stuart, Samantha Power, Matt Haig, Hilary Mantel and Marian Keyes.  Audiences watched and engaged with events from around the world and have continued to watch on demand over the winter months.  

The full programme will be at www.edbookfest.co.uk.

GET THE MOËT ON ICE IN GLASGOW

 
IT'S that time of the year again as Moët & Chandon invites you to the 2nd edition of the Moët Party Day, a 24 hour international celebration of life’s most memorable moments.
 Last year theshowbizlion.com put on our glad rags for an all white party in honour of the Maison's first Moët Party Day which was celebrated in no less than forty five countries.
This year the celebrations get bigger with eighty countries around the world seizing the moment at the most prestigious and exciting occasions.
In Glasgow you can seize your #moetmoment as the celebrations arrive in full effect today (June 17)  1pm – 5pm at The Social on Glasgow’s Royal Exchange Square with a Moët Ice Imperial White Party.
This summer’s must-try champagne, Moët Ice Impérial, also known as ‘La Piscine’ – champagne served on the rocks – will once again guarantee to bring Moët Party Day to Glasgow in style.
Fresh, vibrant and served over ice, this first-of-its-kind champagne has been conceived for sharing over good vibes with friends, from beachfronts and pool sides to roof tops.
As well as the refreshing Moët Ice Imperial, there are summer-inspired platters of culinary pleasures including Smoked Salmon & Lemon Cream Cheese Rotolo, Sun-blushed Tomato Arancini, Mini Chicken Caesars, Goats Cheese & Pomegranate Crostini, Chocolate Mousse & Raspberry Sherbet, Strawberry Candy Floss and Vanilla Cupcakes with Toffee Butter Icing.
A summer soundtrack, and surprise giveaway complete the iced up picture.
Tickets to Moët Party Day at The Social, Glasgow cost £20 each and include a glass of Moët Ice Imperial and sharing platter. For tickets call 0141 222 2321.