Boutique hotelier makes beeline for Argent’s Hive

  Pret a Manger co-founder Sinclair Beecham is in discussions with Argent about opening a boutique hotel at the developer’s Hive scheme in Manchester’s Northern Quarter.   Beecham, who in 2006 opened the Hoxton hotel in London’s Shoreditch, wants to expand his Willow Street Hotels business across the UK, and is eyeing Manchester for his first property outside the capital.   “We are looking for a site in the Northern Quarter, and are in talks with the owner,” he said.   The hotel is expected to echo the limited-service “budget boutique” concept of the 205-bedroom Hoxton hotel on Great Eastern Street, EC2. The design-led hotel operates a budget airline-style pricing structure on advance bookings.   Argent joint chief executive David Partridge confirmed: “We are in early talks. It would be a perfect fit for the scheme.”   The first phase of the HKR-designed Hive – which is under construction – includes 77,000 sq ft of offices. The hotel is proposed for the second phase of the scheme, which overlooks Stevenson Square. Argent has not yet fully acquired the site.   Beecham co-founded Pret a Manger with Julian Metcalfe in 1986. McDonald’s acquired 33% of the chain for £50m in 2001. Private equity firm Bridgepoint acquired the whole of Pret for £345m this year. He formed Quest, now Willow Street, with hotelier Michael Brooker in 2006.   david.quinn@rbi.co.uk