Cloud 23

Cloud 23 is the bar on the 23rd floor of Beetham Tower, the thin glass skyscraper on Deansgate that has been part of the Manchester skyline since 2006. The view from up here is unambiguously the main draw – on a clear day you can see across the whole conurbation, from the hills beyond Oldham to the south towards Stockport, and the city centre laid out beneath you. It is the kind of view that makes sense of Manchester’s geography in a way that walking around at street level doesn’t. The cocktail list is solidly executed and the champagne selection is appropriate for the setting.

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Prices are higher than at ground level, which is expected for a rooftop bar with views like this. It suits special occasions, out-of-town visitors who want to see Manchester from above, and anyone who wants a drink with a backdrop that most cities would charge significantly more for. Book a table on a clear evening for the best experience – the views after dark when the city lights up are particularly good. Dress code is smart casual; they do turn people away. Located directly on Deansgate with easy access from Deansgate-Castlefield tram stop.