THE TOP PLACES YOU NEED TO VISIT IN MANCHESTER THIS CHRISTMAS

If there’s one hotel that deserves you to take your fluffy thermal hat off its the Lowry hotel, we were kindly put up there and boasting the biggest hotel rooms in Manchester City Centre, certainly did not disappoint for sure. It was also recommended by Rich host of the letsgomanchester blog. A gallery-esque design with exquisite artwork hanging on each wall, with an artisan sophisticated bar, spa and restaurant to keep everyone pampered, well fed and full. Our room had magnificent views overlooking the canals, surrounding greenery juxtaposition against a cityscape. It’s the finest in luxury hotels, with a room that simply oozes cool being 5* and the home to many celebrities during their stay in Manchester.

Selfridges alike the Christmas lights being turned on, is an integral part of the festive season. Frankly it’s the closest experience you’ll get to Breakfast At Tiffany’s. More importantly their personal shopping experience is something everyone should try and takes out so much of the strain in shopping. All I could think whilst I was perusing around the counters was how easy, and calming it was to not carry everything whilst sipping champagne in my changing room the size of half my house. It’s an experience where you’ll find yourself questioning why everywhere doesn’t have these facilities, some do but not on the grand level that Selfridges does. If you’ve got time for a light lunch, poke your head into San Carlo Gran Café to check out the menu. I tried their avocado smoked salmon sandwich which could easily be a meal for three over a G&T. It’s the ideal hosting ground for your mid-shop chinwag, between selecting Balmain and Valentino pieces – true story. I took Celine, Valentino and Balmain pieces back to my dressing room (house!) to fulfil my eagerly awaited dreams of trying on some of my favourite ready-to-wear catwalk looks. 

This comes to the part where I will forever boast about my experiences, and urge you to do the same and follow in my footsteps as King Street Town House is a gem amongst Manchester, where you can eat, sleep and play all in one. With a few floors for your 24 hour dining, private cinema screening whilst on the perfect date. I watched Home Alone 2 over some gelato, a Tom Collins, prosecco in full flow after a truly astounding falafel burger. I heard from the boys that the steak & mushrooms is the ultimate go-to. I really wish I didn’t cram in tons of food that evening to indulge myself in one of the finest steaks in the city. 

The Manchester Christmas markets are set up around Exchange Square, Albert Square and Cathedral Gardens, where you can zoom around on ice skates one moment, and be sipping the best pink fizzy prosecco on another. We tried out the Yorkshire pudding burrito wrap, which was told is the favourite amongst many as a lunch time snack – just try to get in lots of walking as it is a mega filling meal, topped off with a rose gold shimmering prosecco. 

My top Christmas Market recommendations: 

Sip an espresso martini in  Bistrot Petit Paris for an evening tipple whilst strolling around the markets. 

Elsie May’s Tea Room for a rose gold shimmering prosecco. 

Porky Pigs (a 5 second walk away) from Elsie May’s for a Yorkshire Pudding Burrito. 

Cane & Grain is one my favourite highlights of Manchester. It’s tucked away in the Northern Quarter with a beautiful outside area, that would be delightful to sit amongst throughout the summer. But whilst the weather is chilly get inside for an evening of giggles in entertainment through a cocktail masterclass. in Cane & Grain Manchester We made large sharing bowls, Zombies and of course classic favourites which made every moment delightful as we learnt all the key ingredients into what makes our favourite sweet beverages, as well as learning to play with fire. 

What I love about Manchester, which brings me and all my friends together is the variety of food catering they supply. We nipped down to the Vegan Food Fair, where we could pick up home made bath bombs, and try out all sorts of teas, cakes. If it wasn’t for me trying to cram in as much food into one day I would have sat down with a vegan stir fry, plastering my face with vegan egg noodles – although it was extremely tempting. One of my favourite stalls was the home made perfumes, where they replicate the smells of large designer perfumes in a much more ethical and natural method. A major thumbs up to reside in Manchester for all, even if you’re vegan. 

Cloud 23, will blow you away with sky high views overlooking the gorgeous sites of Manchester. Afternoon tea is amongst of the favourite delights that is sung about when Cloud 23 is mentioned. We fortunately had a beautiful sunny day before our departing back to Liverpool. So we got to soak up some afternoon sun over tea and cake. The sandwiches are some of the best I’ve tried in afternoon tea so it really is a must to head to. It’s located in the Hilton hotel on the outskirts of town, in a lift that takes you up to the tallest views. So whether rain or sunshine sitting in a toasty glass box, with some wonderful company is a great escape from the busy streets.