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August 2019 | REDONLINE.CO.UKweekend with wheels
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.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 tech-
filled 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.
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).MANCHESTER
IN A MASERATI LEVANTE
GRANLUSSOTo u r t h e c it y o n a
yellow tram and pass
by Manchester’s
impressive town hallTHE 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.comThe Principal showcases
Victorian architecture
on a grand scaleRelax in one
of the hotel’s
spacious suitesL ove a t fi rst si g ht :
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charms of the GranLussoW
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Take a breather from
sightseeing at The Refuge