Cloud 23 at the Hilton

If you cut a sideways slice almost halfway up the 47-floor Beetham Tower, you’d reveal the Hilton’s dark, glossy bar. Some of the best views of the city are to be had through its full-length glass windows, & the drinks aren’t bad either. Some long drinks get a Mancunian remake: hand in glove mixes Tanqueray with grapefruit, Aperol, sugar & lime, while the Hac is a pineapple margarita with cardamom, pepper & agave syrup. Bottle services & tableside bellini-making are popular with a big-spending crowd, & attendance requires a modicum of organisation. There are queues for the express lift up to floor 23 & a guest list operates after 7pm – at weekends a spot on it is like hen’s teeth – try your luck online. Hard-won access makes for a party atmosphere but it’s just the views you’re after, consider ‘high’ tea, served between noon & 4pm.

Whether you're in the mood for one of the bar’s delicious, signature cocktails, a glass of Champagne, or a delightful afternoon tea, the sky bar promises a treat for everyone.

The latest cocktail menu has been inspired by the legendary gods of Greek mythology, and each drink is masterfully created by the talented mixologists to provide an unparalleled drinking experience. Try the Zeus and experience the power of the gods with this drink. Each offering a delightful blend of refreshing citrus notes and aromatic bitters, with delicious layers of flavour.

The Ambrosia is a blend of Martell VSOP, cassis, maraschino, lemon, anise, berries, Champagne and bergamot foam, whilst the spicy and fresh Hydra has Casamigos Blanco and Mezcal mango, velvet falernum, lime, and padron pepper.

It’s not just drinks at Cloud 23 though, with panoramic views of the bustling Manchester Metropolis, the elegant sky bar invites you to indulge in the elegance of afternoon tea or enjoy some nibbles with your choice of drinks. Why not enjoy the antipasto tower with your cocktails, featuring gourmet delights, including Peter’s Yard sourdough flatbread crisps, garlic and sea salt croutes, fire roasted smoked almonds, venison and green pepper salami, Suffolk rosemary salami, Inglewhite Dairy’s blacksticks blue, basil pesto with roasted pine nut and aged parmesan, hummus with black truffle and tahini, and Spanish gordal olives.

Afternoon tea includes seasonally themed savoury bites, a scone with Dorset clotted cream and strawberry jam, a selection of festive cakes and of course, your choice of limitless coffees, hot chocolates and tea. The sweet treats menu includes the Cloud 23 chocolate bar with honeycomb and popping candy, along with carrot cake and caramelised walnut cream and burnt basque cheesecake with rum and raisin.