There's just four weeks to go until Christmas, which means that many of us are getting into the festive spirit as we count down to the big day.
The city had already welcomed the arrival of the Manchester Christmas Markets, and now, a number of restaurants, bars and pubs are taking their decorations up a notch with a variety of showstopping displays and winter-themed events. Over at 1 Hardman Square, Spinningfields, 20 Stories has launched its winter terrace - and it's quite something.
Their annual winter display is often the talk of the town and has previously featured festive pods, as well as seasonal cocktails and specially curated bar snacks. This year, its famous outdoor terrace overlooking Manchester's skyline, has been transformed into an enchanted forest, taking inspiration from the Scandinavian concept 'Hygge' - a mood of cosiness and contentment.
Natasha Davies, D&D Marketing Manager of the North said: “Every year we look forward to launching our winter terrace, and this year is no exception. Our aim is to provide a cosy, warm and magical wintry feel that overlooks our wonderful city for those festive celebrations with friends, family and colleagues and to be working with global alcohol brand, Ciroc will really help us bring this to life.”
As you leave the lifts and enter 20 stories a pathway of candles and an archway decorated with pine cones, baubles and fairy lights guides visitors to the main restaurant area and the winter terrace. Here, 20 Stories new glass pergolas await, and are decked out wooden decorations, warm lights, heaters and blankets.
Offering views across the city whilst keeping guest sheltered from the Manchester weather, the new-look pergolas provide visitors with their own private dining space. Meanwhile, the rest of the terrace represents the outdoor forests of Scandinavia with real trees and red berry bushes dotted around the outdoor space.
This year's terrace has been launched in partnership with French vodka brand Ciroc, meaning there's some very festive tipples on offer. There's five new cocktails including classics like the Pornstar Martini and The French Cosmopolitan as well as newer riffs.
New cocktails include The Working Turtle, a blend of Ciroc , Grapefruit, St Germain and Peach; The Red Scare, which mixes Ciroc Red Berry, Cointreau, Peach, Cranberry and Raspberry; and Throes of Passion, a clear cocktail brining together Ciroc Passion, passionfruit and lemonade.
The drinks offer is complemented by a new winter food offer as well. Available on the terrace, in the pagodas and inside at the restaurant's main bar, dishes span wild mushroom arancini with truffle mayonnaise and crayfish roll with marie rose sauce, to Salmon burgers and truffle and parmesan fries. Other seasonal dishes include fish fritters, duck spring rolls and crispy pork shoulder.
The pergolas at 20 Stories winter terrace can be booked for lunch and dinner, Monday through Sunday and cater to a number of different party sizes - from small, intimate gatherings, to Christmas parties.
Bookings can be made via the 20 Stories website. NO. 1, 1 Hardman Square, Manchester M3 3EB
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