MANCHESTER’S Kimpton Clocktower Hotel has teamed up with Jonathan Schofield to host a series of specialist tours, uncovering some of the incredible history behind this iconic building.

The Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is one of Great Britain’s grandest commercial buildings – the former offices of the Refuge Assurance. Constructed in stages between 1891 and 1932, the building has now been fully renovated as part of the site’s multi-million pound redevelopment.

This transformation includes all 271 bedrooms and suites; the Ballroom and 16 other private dining and event spaces; and the creation of The Refuge Public Bar & Dining Room by Volta.

The painstaking renovation has also revealed a feast of original details in glorious terracotta, faience, marble and glazed brick. These tours of this fascinating building will unlock its secrets, explain its role in the city’s history and give guests plenty of opportunity to photograph its many beauties.

Thus visitors will gain an exclusive peek at this fabulously restored building including the boardroom, the stairs with their superb stained glass, the former banking hall and the vaults under the building.

Along with the story of the Refuge and the Hotel, there will be plenty of stories of the people who have worked within this monumental construction. Entertainment, information and humour are guaranteed.

Meeting point: main reception of the hotel on Oxford Street.