Former US President Barack Obama has been spotted entering the Stock Exchange Hotel in Manchester city centre ahead of his live Q&A event at Co-op Live this evening (October 15). The visit marks his first time in the city, following talks in Glasgow and Belfast. The event is being described as 'a call to hope' and 'resilience'.
The Grade II-listed Edwardian Baroque building, located on Norfolk Street, was converted into a hotel in 2019 by former Manchester United players Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs. It has welcomed a host of A-list guests, including Bruce Springsteen, Liam Gallagher, Madonna, and David Beckham.
A storied guest list
Chanel famously booked out the entire property for its Metier D'Arts fashion show in November 2023. Sir Paul McCartney stayed at the hotel in 2024, greeted by fans serenading him with 'Hey Jude'. Noel Gallagher made it his base during the Oasis reunion last summer. Other notable guests include Nicki Minaj, Ed Sheeran, and Hugh Grant.
The hotel has previously featured on The Times' list of the 100 best places to stay in the UK. The Times described it as bringing 'a dash of old-school opulence to Manchester city centre' and highlighted its magnificent interiors.
Privacy and luxury
The hotel's 40 bedrooms make it an ideal stay for superstars and their entourage to book out, offering extra discretion and privacy. It holds a 4.8-star rating on TripAdvisor and ranks among the city's top 10 places to stay.
The top suite penthouse, called The House, is priced at upwards of £1,750 a night. It has its own separate entrance, a roof terrace with views across Manchester, three bedrooms, a kitchen, dining room, and its own gym.
Last year, plans were submitted to Manchester Council to transform Norfolk House, an office block opposite the hotel, into a 95-bedroom luxury hotel and spa extension. If approved, the new building would become 'Stock Exchange Suites', including a spa, restaurant, gym, and meeting rooms.
History and dining
The Manchester Stock Exchange was built between 1904 and 1906, designed by Bradshaw, Gass and Hope, and opened on December 13, 1906, costing £86,000 to build. Original marble, brass, and woodwork were carefully restored.
The hotel offers seven room and suite categories, from the John Gass Collection Rooms to The House penthouse. Room prices range from £368 for the John Gass guest room type (in December) to £1,750 for the penthouse. The penthouse is in such high demand that it is never available to book directly; enquiries must be made via the hotel. The price was last confirmed in 2025.
The restaurant space was previously home to the Stock Italian restaurant around 20 years ago. It is now overseen by two Michelin Star chef Niall Keating, who runs Tender restaurant, which opened in June 2024. The name nods to tender loving care and a play on currency. Dishes include braised beef cheek, fillet steak with truffle and parmesan fries, and seafood linguini.
Downstairs, the award-winning bar Sterling is hidden inside the old bank vault. Run by the Schofield brothers, it offers cocktails, wine, live music, and bar snacks. Must-try cocktails include the Burnt Old Fashioned, Yuzu Negroni, and Hot & Cold Toddy, paired with oysters, jamón croquettes, or salt and pepper squid.
