CLOUD 23, MANCHESTER
The other week, something amazing happened. On a gorgeously balmy, early June evening, two of my oldest friends treated me to a visit to Cloud 23, that infamous bar in Manchester with those jaw-droppingly incredible views of the city. As it was a birthday treat, and the start of my twenties (eeeeeeep, in my head I'm still 17), I was very, very kindly spoilt all evening long, and had my classy lil' strawberry cocktail, the 'Cornetto di Cloud' paid for by my friends. As we all sat there dressed up in our fanciest clothes, sipping cocktails against the evening sun, 23 floors above our beloved Manchester, it made me realise: 1) just how SATC I felt and 2) just how far we'd all come. If even two years ago, you'd told me that a couple of years down the line I'd be sat in Manchester's tallest building, drinking cocktails with two of my oldest friends, feeling v. classy and content, I would've thought you were absolutely bonkers. But I guess miracles like this do happen, and so there we were, three students exchanging Kebab King, long library stints, exams and Factory for a taste of the high life.
Situated off Deansgate on the north side of town, Cloud 23 is 23 floors up the Hilton Hotel, which in turn is part of Manchester's tallest skyscraper Beetham Tower. And it really is as spectacular as everyone promised it would be. When you're a student living in Manchester, you'll hear all about Cloud 23, and marvel in awe at the lucky few who've somehow managed to make their way to that promised land. Especially with the Beetham Tower being visible from practically everywhere in Manchester, it's always a constant reminder of how different your Manchester is from the Manchester you can only dream of, and longingly view from afar. So finally being able to enter this hallowed Mancunian institution felt akin to a life achievement of sorts. One to tick off the bucket list.
When you enter the Hilton, the lift that will take you up 23 floors and nothing less, proudly awaits before a plush rolled out carpet, guarded by a smartly dressed employee who only lets waiting attendees in a group at a time. It's all very grand and exciting, and certainly a million miles away from anything you've experienced before. When you finally enter the lift, you can feel your ascent from the ground as you get higher and higher, and when you reach floor 23, the doors open and before you is a view that will literally take your breath away. There's just nothing like it. I'll try not to spoil it for you, should you plan on going for yourself, but trust me dear readers, when I say that no matter how I attempt to translate this spectacle into words, nothing will ever do this experience justice. It's something you need to do for yourself, in every sense.
As someone who's been lucky enough to live in Manchester for two years now, it was a particularly special and priceless moment. My love for this city really knows no bounds. I've spent so much time exploring it, discovering all its gems and secrets, getting to know it. Dotted across the city are little markers of things I've done, places I've been to... moments, experiences, people. And if I adore Manchester at ground level (and I'm not lying when I say it's the best city in the world, even if I am a bit biased and I do love Corrie and Take That), and I didn't think it could get any more amazing, at sky level, well it's something else entirely. To see my beloved city stretching out before me like that, illuminated against the setting sun and rose-blue sky, blending into the mist whispering on the horizon and the magnificent peaks in the distance. To look down upon all these places that mean something so special to me. To finally be able to appreciate this incredible city in all its glory. It was an absolute dream come true. An experience I will treasure for as long as I live. And the fact that it was made possible for two people I care very deeply for, made it even more special.
So whether you're thinking of coming to Manchester, or you already live here, I'd highly recommend paying Cloud 23 a visit. And if you want to find a lil' bit more about my experience, as well as some handy tips, please carry on reading!
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-THE DRINKS:-
As you'd expect from an extravagant, incredibly glamorous bar such as Cloud 23, the drinks aren't cheap. Cocktails start from around £10+ (non alcoholic cocktails are £8), wine is £6+ a glass, beers and ciders are £5.50+, and soft drinks £2.50+. However that being said, in comparison to other bars around Manchester's Deansgate area, and some of the city's other finest offerings, the prices at Cloud 23 aren't that unreasonable, especially considering that incredible view you're getting too. If it's a special occasion, why not treat yourself and spend a little more than you normally would? For after all, Cloud 23 is not your stereotypical bar.
We had the cocktails Cornetto di Cloud, Bittersweet Symphony & Vertigo, which were lovely, delicious and slightly stronger than most. Was it worth the money? Well I'd be lying if I said it was the best cocktail I've had, considering its cost, however they were beautifully presented and tasted wonderful, and as a treat, it just about seemed justified (although as previously mentioned, I was very lucky to have my cocktail paid for by my dear friends!). It's also worth bearing in mind that at Cloud 23 the price you're paying is also for the sheer splendour of the bar itself, and of course those amazing city views you're treated to.
However don't worry if you want to keep go, but you need to keep things on the cheaper side, as it is definitely possible. Beer and cider are ways to keep costs down, whilst the non-alcoholic options are like gold dost if you want to have a taste of the high life and enjoy the spectacular views of Manchester, all whilst looking after your bank balance.
*Just as a heads up, it's useful to note that a discretionary 10% service charge is added to the bill*
-THE BAR ITSELF:-
The inside decor is really lush. The carpeted floor bears an elegantly cultivated pattern, whilst the seating area extends 360 degrees. Soft leather chairs, perfect for the company of two, are peppered around the circumference of Cloud 23, situated right in front of those impressive panoramic windows that reach from ceiling to floor. Slightly more internally you'll find a mixture of larger tables, sofas, high seats. Waiting staff are always coming and going, very attentive. The bar itself is a hive of activity, and the overall atmosphere is very relaxed, content and sophisticated, with a lovely energy about it too. It's so lovely seeing everyone dressed up to the nines and enjoying themselves. The music when we went had just the right vibe about it, and provided the perfect accompaniment. Oh, and the toilets were just splendid (make sure you pay them a visit).
-THE VIEW:-
Need. I. Say. More.
-HANDY TIPS:-
-Book in advance if possible via the Cloud 23 website
-If you're turning up spontaneously on a Friday or Saturday, try to get there before 8pm to ensure both a seat and a shorter queue time
-It's quieter in the day time, though that's not to say the views aren't still incredible!
-If you want to go in the evening when the city is all illuminated, ideally Monday to Thursday are your best days if you want to be spontaneous. If you're going at the weekend though, advance booking is a must
-Two's get the window seats, although you can see the view from anywhere in the bar. So if you want a window seat, maybe just go as a pair.
-Wherever you end up sat, make sure you walk around the entire circumference of the bar, even making a detour at the toilets too, so that you can appreciate all the different views of the city (it's defo worth it)
- If you're a student wanting to do it as cheaply as possible, go for a soft drink. In total you should only have to pay less than a fiver, which is pretty decent!
-Even though it's super tempting to want to take photos of everything, try to spend time just enjoying the view and the moment for yourself. Take everything in as deeply and richly as possible, as that's when you'll really appreciate Cloud 23 most.
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