Divine Drinks in the Sky #Review

Divine Drinks in the Sky #Gifted

Spring is here and with the Summer Season looming, hence sharing my favourite sky and rooftop bars which I am sure you will love just as much as I do.

So, in no particular order, here are my recommendations, enjoy your divine drinks in the sky you lovely people…

Sky Lounge – Leeds

Located in Yorkshires bustling Leeds city centre, the Sky Lounge in Leeds is well worth a visit.

City views, cocktails, champagne, spirits, fabulous food and drinks with a positive vibe and atmosphere all you need to get the party started.

Cloud 23 – Manchester

Hidden on level 23 right at the top of the Hilton Hotel’s Beetham Tower, Cloud 23 is about enjoying city life in the clouds.

Offering a high octane energy, an extensive drinks list and with breaktaking Manchester city views you will definitely be flying high.

SIX Brasserie Rooftop Bar & Restaurant – Cambridge

The SIX Brasserie Rooftop Bar & Restaurant at the Varsity Hotel, located in the stunning and beautifully iconic Cambridge, provides views and plenty of yummy food and beverages.

This chic and classy, rooftop terrace bar is the perfect place to sip on your bubbly champagne while soaking up all that Cambridge life has to offer.

20 Stories Restaurant & Bar – Manchester

Manchester city centre, is the location of the 20 Stories a Manchester city centre rooftop restaurant and bar with enviable city views.

The outside space has been designed with you in mind, with intimate spaces, private areas and more communal areas if you want to get your mingle on.

Sora Sky Bar Malmaison – York

York a beautiful city and excitingly the Malmaison hotel chain have built a new hotel and the onsite Sora Sky Bar.

Perfect place to grab a glass of Champagne and soak up those York city views, in particular the beating heart of York – The York Minister.

Cupid’s Pod VIP Experience The London Eye – London City

London is calling and has views galore, if you take a ride on the iconic London Eye.

Book a private Cupid’s Pod experience and you can take in the views, as you enjoy a bottle of bubbles and chocolate truffles – yummy!

360 Sky Bar Gino D’Acampo – Liverpool

No need to do a 360, as the new 360 Sky Bar at Gino D ’Acampo Liverpool has all the views wrapped up for you.

Centrally located in lovely Liverpool, and you are spoilt for choice with the drink’s selection, so you are in for a ‘lotta lotta laughs’ for sure!

Bar 380 The Tower– Blackpool

Last, but certainly not least, Blackpool Tower an iconic landmark steeped in historic tradition and the home to Bar 380. Buy a ticket to the Blackpool Eye, and subject to seasonal availability, you can enjoy a drink in the fab Bar 380.

Even when the Blackpool sky is overcast the sunshine vibes from the staff will be sure to get you feeling that summer energy, so you can enjoy all that Bar 380 and the Blackpool Tower Eye has to offer.

In particular, a big shout out to both the marvellous Michelle and amazing Adam for being legends, looking after us throughout the day and and making us feel like true VIPS

Whichever Sky bar you choose, enjoy those divine drinks in the sky, and my recommendation is to work your way around them all lol!

Thank you for reading 😊

Melanie xx

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Chinese New Year Celebrations at the Novotel Manchester Centre Hotel #Review

Chinese New Year Celebrations at the Novotel Manchester Centre Hotel #Gifted

The 4-star Novotel Manchester Centre is located, within the heart of Manchester city centre, near to all the main transport hubs such as Manchester Piccadilly & Oxford Road train stations is perfect for business or leisure.

Just a hop skip and a jump away from Manchester’s China town The Novotel Manchester Centre is perfectly located to take advantage of the Chinese New Year Celebrations. The 2023 Chinese New Year Celebration marks the year of the rabbit and makes for an exciting time to be in the city for sure.

Every time without fail, we have always been greeted with a warm welcome and this time was no exception.  As always, knowledgeable team members on check in and were checked in and had all the key information explained in no time.

Our room provided us with a huge Queen bed, 55-inch LCD TV, sofa area, work/vanity desk, providing a modern and contemporary space to relax and unwind. As you can see, the wall artwork of Manchester city is absolutely amazing!

The bathroom has all you require including rainfall power shower and complimentary upgraded toiletries.  There is also a separate toilet area, a spacious sink area with fully illuminated mirror and plenty of mirrors to beautify yourself.

Importantly, there are fluffy robes and slippers for use during your stay, a complimentary tea tray, Nespresso coffee machine, hair dryer, iron and a safe.  We also had use of the hotels complimentary Wi-Fi while onsite so we could still keep connected while we enjoyed some chill time.

Now you are all settled in, I would recommend heading down to the hotels onsite Exchange Bar & Restaurant as they serve some fabulous food and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a few drinks, because the place has an amazing atmosphere with just good vibes.

Starters It is always nice to enjoy a glass of bubbles and/or rose along with some scrummy starters including a perfectly presented salad, pad thai and some poutine.

We opted for casual bites, so our marvellous mains included burger & fries, Fish & chips with a good pint of beer to wash it down with.

Now, to finish on a sweet note we went for both naughty and nice, with a delicious yummy chocolate crepe, baileys coffee and a healthy fruit platter.

The next day, after a relaxing night’s sleep, wake up fresh and fabulous and if you are feeling motivated why not spend some time using the onsite leisure which include a sauna, steam room and a fully equipped gym.

However, if chilled vibes is more you thing pop on the cosy robes and slippers, indulge some relaxing room service breakfast, that can be enjoyed in bed or at the convenient desk area.

Novotel Manchester centre offers guests a range of fresh continental offerings such as fresh fruit, pastries, cheese, muffins, yogurt, orange juice, coffee etc. There’s also plenty of hot options for you to enjoy too, such as the full English.

Whatever time of the year, make sure that you don’t miss out, check in to the Novotel Manchester centre for a visit to remember!

Thank you for reading 😊

Melanie xx

Enjoy the Dining with Distinction Christmas Lunch on the East Lancashire Railway #Review

Enjoy the Dining with Distinction Christmas Lunch on the East Lancashire Railway #Gifted

The East Lancashire Railway is a volunteer organisation, run through passion, determination and sheer grit keeping part of Britain’s railway heritage alive and steaming!

At the Bolton Street Station stop at Bury you can immerse yourself in the traditional age of steam and learn all about our historical industrial heritage.

Now, one noticeable point, from the moment you arrive everyone is welcomed with plenty of smiles and open arms, it literally makes your heart melt.

Whistle blown, so all aboard, one of the beautifully restored Pullman carriages, for the experience of a lifetime, a fabulous festive Feast on one of the East Lancashire Railways Steam hauled trains.

The East Lancashire Railway Dining with Distinction service team know how to pull out the stops with all the bells and whistles. Expect only the very best with crisp white lining, luxurious furnishings.

The Christmas Lunch is just under a 3 hour steam hauled journey through the picturesque Irwell Valley. Included is a sparking glass of fizz on arrival and a super scrummy 3 course meal with mince pies along with tea or coffee.

Furthermore, if you would like to organise any additional extras, to add onto your package, to make your journey even more spectacular, such as flowers, a bottle of wine, champagne etc the team are more than happy to help.

The glass of welcome fizz makes for the best start and the winter warm vegetable soup, with bread roll and butter was wolfed down…delicious!

Cosy and snug in your First Class Pullman carriage, enjoy a hearty roast lunch with options such as Turkey and the lush Brie and cranberry parcel with all the trimmings and lashings of gravy.

Christmas vibes all round, with lovely snowflake decorations embossed onto the window and even the Christmas crackers are included.

Making the experience even more sweet, we indulged in a Christmas pudding with custard, mince pies all washed down with coffee and tea, simply divine.

Then just as I thought things couldn’t get any better, the team arranged an extra enthusiast’s experience, I actually got to ride the actual steam train…my excitement I can tell you was hard to contain for sure.

In the heart of the operation, the engine room, it was privilege to meet the guys who volunteer their time and work hard to provide this unique and authentic experience.

Genuine, authentic, passionate team energy and camaraderie, that felt warmer than the fire, brought tears to my eye – tears of joy of course!

The East Lancashire Railway is a home away from home, we left with full tummies, even fuller hearts and memories to last a lifetime.

Now you will have to be very quick for 2022 availabilities, but don’t be disheartened as for 2023 The East Lancashire Railway have a full schedule of themed dining train events such as Red Rose dinners, Lancastrian lunches, afternoon teas, murder mysteries and of course fabulous Christmas lunches and dinners.

May I take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

Thank you for reading 😊

Melanie xx

Indulge in your Football Fantasy at the Manchester Marriott Victoria and Albert Hotel #Review

Indulge in your Football Fantasy at the Manchester Marriott Victoria and Albert Hotel #Gifted

The Manchester Marriott Victoria and Albert is the perfect place to enjoy a business or leisure stay right in the heart of the city centre, with onsite facilities including a restaurant, bar and riverside terraces, so you are spoilt for choice.

Immediately on arrival not only do you notice the stunning Grade II property details and structure with many of the original wood beams and metal columns still in place which makes the place feel like a home away from home feel, but the staff warmly welcome you with open arms which is always welcomed.

Now, I mentioned about Indulging in your Football Fantasy at the Manchester Marriott Victoria and Albert, well excitingly the hotel now has a range of Manchester United Suites, including the marvellous Manchester United Trebble Suite.

This suite is all about the details and after a long travel it was nice to see a full complimentary tea tray with tea, coffee, bottled water and some biscuits too, so it was time to unpack, sit back and enjoy this super suite.

The football theme is standout, but not vulgar, and has been completed to create a classy theming including the cool wardrobe area, with bench, made to be a mock-up of a player’s fitting room, and with signed team shirts encased within glass style display cabinets, you know that you’re on the winning team staying in this suite.

The Bedroom is separately divided from the lovely lounge, that has a writing desk area, with a flatscreen television on both sides of the room, so ideal if you have children, as different programmes can be viewed.

Football design details are everywhere including the football pitch rug, subito picture, team cushions on the sofa and a display cabinet all of things football memorabilia related.  The ideal place to sit back, relax and enjoy a night or two away from home.

Slide the wood panelled door to reveal a beautiful bathroom, with complimentary toiletries and an illuminated mirror, again it has that players shower vibe and it the perfect place to refresh after a busy day exploring all that Manchester has to offer.

Now if all this was not enough, the lovely team decided to provide birthday beautifulness for my milestone 40^th and gave us a winning welcome with a cute cake plate, personalised card and a bottle of fabulous fizz to ensure a celebration full of sparkles and bubbles.

The onsite Chop & Plant restaurant has something to suit every palate and I can assure you is well worth a visit.

An Amazing Anniversary Hotel Stay at Novotel Manchester Centre #Review

An Amazing Anniversary Hotel Stay at Novotel Manchester Centre #Gifted

The 4-star Novotel Manchester Centre is located, within the heart of Manchester city centre, near to all the main transport hubs such as Manchester Piccadilly & Oxford Road train stations is perfect for business or leisure.

Make your way through the revolving doors, into the bright airy reception area, and prepare to check in for a sensational stay.

Warmly welcomed by the reception team, who checked us straight in and provided lots of useful information about the hotel, including the use of their complimentary Wi-Fi while onsite, and instantly made us feel at home.

The Executive Rooms provide guests with a huge Queen bed, 55-inch LCD TV, sofa area, work/vanity desk, providing a modern and contemporary space to relax and unwind. 

Shower room was wonderful, with complimentary upgraded toiletries, and a refreshing rain shower with a unit that has a silent privacy screen, if you want to see into the bedroom while showering. There is also a separate toilet area, a spacious sink area with fully illuminated mirror and plenty of mirrors to beautify yourself.

For our Anniversary, the team’s attention to detail went above and beyond, creating a fabulous floral rose petal display for us as well as including some lovely extras such as complimentary peanuts, crisps, bottled water and two bottles of wine – all of which were really appreciated.

As standard, within the Executive rooms there are fluffy robes and slippers for use during your stay, a complimentary tea tray, Nespresso coffee machine, hair dryer, iron and a safe.

Now as if that is not enough to make sure that you have a memorable stay, why not head down to the onsite Exchange Bar & Restaurant for a few glasses of wine, some yummy food and the perfect place to sit, chat and enjoy the good vibes.

Dan, Gaskey and all the food & beverage are a dream team, real diamonds that make sure they always go the extra mile, so guests leave happy.

The Exchange Bar & Restaurant has an extensive drinks offering including plenty of gins, spirits, beers, lagers, Ipas, wines and of course cocktails.

Enjoy a ‘Suite’ Life at the INNSIDE by Meliá Manchester Hotel #Review

Enjoy a ‘Suite’ Life at the INNSIDE by Meliá Manchester Hotel #Gifted

INNSIDE by Meliá Manchester located in the vibrant First Street Development is the perfect place to explore all that Manchester has to offer. A standout architectural hotel, that provides an even bigger and warmer welcome.

On arrival you will notice the effort and energy the hotel goes to, as the attention to detail is second to none, the blooming marvellous floral displays, that are due to the hotels collaboration with CitiBlooms, are breath-taking giving out amazing autumn vibes.

All the way up to the tenth floor, you know that you have hit the big time when you step into the Townhouse Suite, a huge 51 m2 open plan studio suite with a jaw dropping city skyline view.

The lovely spacious open plan layout gives guests a massive area to work, play and stay. Ideal for couples, family or that important worktrip.

The Welcome to Manchester display, that the hotel had personalised onto our bathroom vanity mirror area, was wonderfully thoughtful.

The bathroom space perfect for a pamper has a walk-through layout with bathtub, rain shower, two wash basins and complimentary INNSIDE Lande Eco-friendly toiletries to use throughout your stay.

The room benefits from Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, working desk space, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities and a mini fridge which had a lovely extra touch of a mini prosecco and a pale ale – yippee!

There has been an exciting development and now the hotel is proud to present the First Street Bar & Kitchen with Gino D’Acampo.

A beautifully presented space, that feels chilled out and even better news is that the drinks are divine and the fabulous food is spot on.

Staying at the hotel has its perks, from no time at all you can whisk yourselves from your suite to the restaurant, and be sipping a glass on fizz in no time at all.

Super starters included the Caprese Classic tomato, garlic & fresh basil salad with buffalo mozzarella and the amazing Arancini crispy rice croquettes stuffed with creamy taleggio cheese & peas served with a tangy sauce all washed down with Champagne and Italian Prosecco Rose.

Mouth-watering mains included the lush Lobster tagliatelle and the deliciously cheesy ravioli pasta with truffle, a real winner.

Plenty of options for desserts, but the moment we saw the chocolate fondant, we knew it was one each, no sharing this time and it was a good job, as we cleared these off the plate in no time.

The range of drinks on offer is impressive, the cocktails are crafted to perfection, and we even finished with a traditional Italian Limoncello – Saluti!

Morning marvelousness is pretty chilled in the Townhouse Suite, as there is a yoga mat for some suite stretching to refocus mind, body and soul.  There is even an onsite wellness suite with Finnish Sauna, aromatic steam room, gym and relaxation area, if you need a bit of zen.

Also, there are the super snug gowns and funky feet slippers to get snug, enjoy the view, as you browse the Manchester book of where to play out while in the big city.  

Room service breakfast is brilliant easy and plenty of hot and continental offerings. The full English breakfast, pastries, fruit and beautiful muffins all went down a treat.

The INNSIDE by Meliá Manchester Hotel has all you need to make your  Manchester stay memorable.

Thank you for reading 😊

Melanie xx

Manchester Marriot Victoria and Albert; The Manchester United Treble Suite #Review

Manchester Marriot Victoria and Albert; The Manchester United Treble Suite #Gifted

The Manchester Marriot Victoria and Albert is a striking Grade II building, located in the vibrant and happening Spinningfields District, right in the heart of Manchester city centre, the perfect place for both business and leisure.

The hotel has had a full refurbishment providing guests with a clean and contemporary environment with onsite facilities including a restaurant, bar and riverside terraces.

Warmly welcomed by the reception team, we could not wait to experience all this beautiful hotel had to offer. Excitingly the hotel now has a range of Manchester United Suites, the Manchester United Treble Suite was to be our home for the night, and the room defiantly had the wow factor.

Immediately on entering the room, the football theme is standout and has been completed to create a classy theming, on the right was a wardrobe made to be a mock of a players fitting room with signed team shirts encased within glass style display cabinets.

Take a seat on the bench and imagine that match day tension and those serious locker room team talks which hopefully result in a team win.

The Bedroom is separately divided from the lovely lounge, that has a writing desk area, with a flat screen television on both sides of the room and finished with a wall print of a very cool Manchester map. It is also nice to see the buildings original wooden feature beams sympathetically worked into the design of the room.

Football design details are everywhere including the football pitch rug, subito picture, team cushions on the sofa and a display cabinet all of things football memorabilia related.  The ideal place to sit back, relax and enjoy a night or two away from home.

Bathroom brilliance begins right here, slide the door to reveal a very cool team shower style hub that you can enjoy all to yourself, as you dream about your team scoring those wining goals.

Fully stocked with complimentary toiletries, offering an illuminated mirror and large mirror you can pamper in style.

Serious team talks require some refreshments and the Manchester Marriot Victoria and Albert have you covered with a well-stocked tea tray, including biscuits, so you can dunk them into your branded mugs., as you plan your time out in Manchester.

The onsite restaurant is the ideal place to fuel up and enjoy some liquid refreshments.  All the team are absolutely amazing and really do know how to look after their guests.

Enjoy some Rest & Relaxation with the Rena Spa at the Midland #Review

Enjoy some Rest & Relaxation with the Rena Spa at the Midland Review: September 2020 #Gifted

The Rena Spa at the Midland hotel Manchester is now welcoming back day spa guests, for indulgent decadent luxury spa experiences, to relax, unwind and enjoy some much needed you time.

Jordan and all the spa reception team always provide the loveliest of welcomes providing your spa introduction, treatment choices and of course fluffy robes and cosy slippers to make your spa day that little bit extra.

Rena have a range of super spa packages including the Indulgence which includes a 50-minute treatment, a glass of champagne, a light lunch or afternoon tea and a £10 gift voucher to spend on spa products.

The wet facilities include a relaxation pool, swan neck fountain and what spa day would be complete without a few bubbles with their wonderful Jacuzzi.

Once government regulations allow the steam room and sauna will also re-open to give you even more facilities to enjoy.

The Rena Relaxation suite is a whole world of escape, float away in pods, contemporary modern hub chairs or enjoy one of the private rooms all logistically designed with safety and social distancing in mind.

Honest Burgers Manchester are Back #Review

Honest Burgers Manchester are Back Review: August 2020 #Gifted

Honest Burgers Manchester are back, and we could not be happier, as they are the perfect place to chill out, enjoy good company and a brilliant burger.

Welcomed warmly by the team, Jordan and Yohan made sure that our visit was super smooth and full of fabulous foodie yumminess.

Seated upstairs in a balcony booth, we had plenty of room and a good birdseye view to people watch at a safe distance of course!  They even have a outdoor rooftop for when the sun is in full force.

Their new super special California French mustard, fried beef, bacon, double American cheese, caramelised onion, burgers sauce, tomato, lettuce and pickles with a good serving of rosemary salted chips.

The Bacon Plant is a plant-based burger with this isn’t bacon, smoked gouda, shoestring fries, vegan bacon ketchup, chipotle mayo, spinach and pickles served up with their classic rosemary salted pickles.

Go next level and bang on a side of their gorgeous gluten free onion rings and get dipping to your hearts content.

Healthy Fast Food at Leon Restaurants Manchester Piccadilly #Review

Healthy Fast food at Leon Restaurants Manchester Piccadilly Review: March 2020 #Gifted

The three musketeers, Henry Dimbleby, John Vincent and chef Allegra McEvedy, aka the founders of Leon Restaurants, have combined their wealth of knowledge and skills to take the world by storm with their fab fresh fast food philosophy and started their own foodie revolution.

A light bulb suddenly goes off in your head and you realise how much time you spend travelling and eating on the go.  Fast food need not be unhealthy thanks to Leon and with their stylish and relaxed environment you can enjoy #FastFoodFabulously

Lovely Leon staff at Manchester, including Errol, Chris and the team make your experience warm and welcoming.

The range on food on offer is impressive such as a vegan Love burger with vegan cheese that can also be made gluten free.  A Korean chicken burger again with the Gluten free option.  Why not add on a side of lush Leon baked fries.  There’s also a huge range of sauces so you can get a bit dippy!