Bespoke's Hotel Gotham to open 7 April 2015

Bespoke Hotels has confirmed the opening date of its luxurious Hotel Gotham in Manchester will be 7 April 2015.

It will follow a "dress rehearsal" at the 60-bedroom hotel on 3-4 April. A theatrical opening is being planned in keeping with its billing as "the sexiest hotel in Europe", with the casting of characters, such as "Lord Salford" and "Bell Boy Barry".

"We want a plush hotel with fun and enjoyment," said chairman Robin Sheppard. "Hotels are becoming a bit safe and we want to create one where people dress up, rather than dress down."

Located in an Edwin Lutyens building in King Street which formerly housed the headquarters of Midland Bank, the property will be spread over seven floors. Guests will travel up to the penultimate floor for check-in and then go down to the bedrooms. A prohibition-style bar and 150-members club will take the top floor, with sliding canopies in the roof.

The hotel, which is being developed by the Marshall Construction Group in conjunction with the owners, will also feature five inner suites, each with their own garden.

• Robin Sheppard will be speaking at The Caterer Summit 2014 on 7 November as part of an expert panel considering the pros and cons of joining a brand, See more at: www.thecaterersummit.com