Inside the Hotels Caring for the Carers

As we reported back in March, Manchester United legends Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs have made their two hotels, Hotel Football Old Trafford and the newly opened luxurious Relais & Châteaux Stock Exchange, available, free of charge, to NHS staff who might need to stay away from home whilst they battle the spread of coronavirus.

Their GG Hospitality company retained all of their staff to service the 176 beds offered to Greater Manchester health services, in particular the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT).

Many companies and individuals have kindly donated food, drinks, necessities and services for the NHS staff staying at the two hotels, with the Co-op gifting Easter Eggs.

An NHS Postbox has been introduced, with Hotel Football paper, postcards, envelopes and stamps provided, so that the NHS guests can keep connected in an old fashioned way, with loved ones in the outside world.

‪A Little DIY cinema was created in the Stadium Suite at ‪Hotel Football with the NHS staff enjoying "The Greatest Showman" with popcorn and chocolate. Chorlton's Dovetail Drinks donated Deliveroo pizza and beverages.

The 133 room football-themed Hotel Football overlooks Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium, with a five-a-side football pitch on the roof and its popular Cafe Football restaurant adding subtle nods to the beautiful game like The Nicky Butty, Giggsy’s Cumberland Sausage, Scholesy’s Matchday Classic, and the Mara Doner.

The luxurious 43 room Stock Exchange Hotel, in the historic former stock exchange building on Norfolk Street, only opened in November following a seven-year renovation and is home to Tom Kerridge's Bull & Bear restaurant. 

The two United legends had previously allowed homeless people to squat in it during the rennovation over the coldest winter months. 

• Cafe Football Old Trafford
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