By Angelina Villa-Clarke,Contributor,Isaac Newton

Copyright forbes

In the UK, the Victorian era was the heyday of the grand hotel. Coinciding with a new appetite for travel, especially by rail, architectural wonders, in the form of grandiose hotels, sprung up across the country, with most major cities boasting their own elaborate versions.

The Langham, which opened in London in 1865, is regarded as the UK’s (and, in fact, Europe’s) first grand hotel, with the Savoy, opening in 1889, following its lead. Birmingham was no exception and its own grand dame property, the Grade II-listed The Grand Hotel Birmingham, was recently given a new lease of life after it finally reopened after a 20-year closure and a £50 million restoration project.

The recent renovation has revived The Grand Hotel Birmingham.
(Credit: ©tom mannion 2020)

The landmark hotel on Colmore Row was originally launched by Isaac Newton in 1875. Its guest book reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of A-listers, with the likes of King George VI, Winston Churchill and Charlie Chaplin checking in over the years. The restoration aimed to take it back to its glory days, reviving all areas of the dilapidated hotel, including the impressive central staircase, with its wrought iron detailing, gilding and marble Corinthian columns, French Renaissance exterior and Art Deco ballroom. At the same time, the new look has also introduced a cool, modern aesthetic with contemporary bedrooms, a basement New York-style restaurant, Isaacs, and glamorous bar, Madeleine.

The hotel’s showstopper: grand staircase.
(Credit: ©tom mannion 2020)

With its opulent setting—think jewel-coloured velvet seating, mix-match rugs and an orange leather-clad bar—Madeleine’s is the perfect place to kick off your evening. The hotel’s ground-floor bar is one of the most sumptuous spaces in the hotel (although the ball room is worth a sneak peek for the absolute wow factor). Large arched windows, panelled ceiling and onyx tables make for the perfect setting to enjoy a rum-based Madiana cocktail or a classic Gimlet. French-inspired, small plates, such as crab rolls, Bayone ham and gruyere croquettes and croque monsieurs, are the just the right bites for an early evening gathering. The bar is also home to the hotel’s afternoon tea, featuring French patisserie, classic savouries and scones for special occasions or family-bonding moments.

Jazz musicians will perform at Downstairs at The Grand.
(Credit: FOURA STUDIO-10)

While the hotel has its roots in the Victorian age, the newest chapter at the hotel has seen it reach back to the heyday of hospitality of the 1920s and 30s, with the introduction of a late-night speakeasy. With curated musical nights on offer, Downstairs at The Grand not only repackages the glamour of the jazz age but its opening makes it Birmingham city centre’s only late-night live music bar (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10pm until 2am).

Paying homage to the secret bustle of historical speakeasies, ‘Downstairs’ features weekly musical residencies from musicians, with jazz nights, boogie-woogie, cabaret and musical theatre showcases offering a varied programme.

Kick off your evening at Madeleine’s.
(Credit: The Grand Hotel Birmingham)

With its green leather banquette seating, bistro tiled floor and tin panel ceiling, Isaacs restaurant is an atmospheric setting for performers to do their thing, such as Joe Spinoza, a cohort of the celebrated Birmingham Conservatoire, and a classically trained jazz pianist and singer. September’s acts include The Unlikely Duo: Alex Thompson And Georgia Bray; Alex Thompson and Dino Baptiste and the Night Train. Meanwhile, the new Cabaret and Cabernet Thursday night residences showcase the best in musical theatre, with tickets including Prosecco and a three-course meal of Isaac’s favourite French-inspired dishes—think salt and pepper squid; roasted halibut with Chateau potatoes; pumpkin & sage gnocchi; chocolate torte and crème brülée.

Bedorroms and suites have a modern aesthetic.
(Credit: ©tom mannion 2020)

When it comes to retire, bedrooms at The Grand offer a refined aesthetic that complements the Listed Heritage architectural details that shine in the hotel’s public spaces. Suites, for instance, have modern, metal four-posters, butter-soft leather headboards, contemporary art and modern lighting features. Thoughftul touches include yoga mats and in-room classes to follow via the TV. Bathrooms, meanwhile, have marble vanities, pretty tiled floors and Penhaligon’s toiletries. Nods to the heritage of the building are found throughout the 185 rooms—from retro dial phones to Marshall radios. Turn up the dial for a soundtrack that will be music to your ears.

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