48 HOURS IN… MANCHESTER
IN A MASERATI LEVANTE GRANLUSSO
Charlotte Page takes to the road
GETTING THERE
The Maserati Levante Granlusso is undoubtedly handsome, and as my boyfriend and I climb into its front seats (I’m behind the wheel, of course), we’re greeted by a plush crimson interior, with swathes of leather and silk. While I enjoy the drive – cruise control plus lane and blind-spot assist make light work of the journey – my other half is quick to suss out the techfilled touchscreen. We access the Apple Carplay and surround sound system to keep us entertained on the long stretch of motorway. And on Manchester’s busy streets, this elegant SUV never feels too big or cumbersome.
WHERE TO STAY
Located in the heart of Manchester, the Principal is a remarkable building; as soon as you enter the ornate lobby, with vaulted ceiling, stone archways and even a large bronze horse, you can feel the history of the Victorian grade Ii-listed building. Our cavernous suite has a four-poster bed and spacious bathroom (Elemis toiletries included). We sip welcome drinks and nibble complimentary chocolates while choosing some vinyl to play on the retro record player
– a thoughtful nod to the city’s musical heritage.
MUST-VISIT
Manchester’s Northern Quarter is home to independent shops, and kaleidoscopic street art adds to its appeal, or head to the Cathedral Gardens, which are an oasis of calm amid the hustle and bustle of the city. When the sun sets, Manchester comes alive; theatre doors open and the sounds of performing bands pour out on to the streets. Enticed by live music, we enjoy a drink at the Peaky Blinders bar, before heading to Spinningfields, which has sophisticated drinking spots in abundance.
FOOD AND DRINK
Breakfast at the Principal is served in an adjoining restaurant, The Refuge. We sit in the Winter Garden – an atrium-style room, which, by evening, is transformed into a lively hotspot. Dinner comes in the form of tapas and we start with seafood dishes before moving on to Gloucester Old Spot pork belly and chargrilled picanha steak. We polish off every morsel, washed down with an enjoyable Merlot. In keeping with the sharing theme, we order a pudding platter à deux. The vibe here is as enticing as the food, so, after dinner, we slip off to the bar to soak up the atmosphere. Stay at the Principal from £145 per room a night (phcompany.com).
THE CAR… MASERATI LEVANTE GRANLUSSO
A few of our favourite things… max speed: 156mph; 0-62mph: 6 seconds; 8.4in touchscreen; surround view camera and park assist; forward collision warning; sport mode; 580L luggage compartment. Visit maserati.com