manchester

christmas

Perfect parties

IT might well be the end but, in the sage words of Frank Gallagher, “every one of us, to a man, know first and foremost, one of the most vital necessities in this life is we know how to throw a party!”

But, whether it’s Christmas, closure or Holy Communion, where can you go to ensure your intimate occasion isn’t gate-crashed by undesirables? With every venue in Manchester eagerly claiming to offer the perfect party package, we’ve applied a little more creativity to our checklist.

Lounge 10
Christmas parties are undeniably the fodder for burgeoning office romances. But if flirtatious, slightly inappropriate emails haven’t guaranteed you a snog under the mistletoe, a do at sexy Lounge 10 should do the trick. The aptly named Boudoir is a private room available for you to enjoy your personal choice of food and wines, all served by your own private butler. The interior is, in their own words, ‘a sensual feast for the eyes as well as the palate’.
10 Tib Lane, City centre (834 1331)

Smithy Lodge
Ever fantasised about being a Jane Austen character ensconced within a dramatic 19th century building? Smithy Lodge is now at your service.
Until recently, this little piece of Georgian extravagance was uninhabitable, but it has just had a massive £10 million refurbishment and is now available to hire. The Lodge was built in 1806 and is the oldest feature of Heaton Park, with two storeys and cellars along with a Grade II listed orangery.
Heaton Park (773 1085 ext. 211)

Manchester Art Gallery
If it’s a bit of culture that’s lacking from your Christmas party, the ultimate venue has to be the revitalised and extended environs of Manchester Art Gallery. The gallery houses one of the UK’s finest art collections, has recently benefited from a £35 million transformation and offers either the large and light atrium or the Victorian entrance hall with its balcony, richly decorated ceiling and marble floor. Along with the private view of the collection, it makes it the perfect setting for the more refined amongst us.
Mosley Street, City centre (235 8888)

Northern Belle
The Northern Belle, a class above the Transpennine Sprinter, is inspired by the classic ‘Belle’ Pullman of the 1930s, its interior all marquetry, polished inlays and starched linens. The ‘Orient Express of the North’ is an immaculate experience - as soon as you leave Victoria Station’s sidings, that is. Hopefully, all this opulence will leave you hungry and thirsty because, during the few hours spent travelling some of the North West’s beautiful landscapes, you’ll be treated to a five-course meal, champagne and wine.
The Old Bookstall, Victoria Railway Station, City centre (0845 0772222)

Imperial War Museum North
As a party venue, the Imperial War Museum may seem an odd choice but, for those immune to its passionate exhibitions on the price of war and who fancy a bit of Top Gun action, City Life recommends a secluded dinner and dance, conducted underneath a Harriet jet. Altogether now, “I feel the need, the need for…”
The Quays, Trafford Park (836 4000)
 
City Centre Cruises
Not a hotel or art centre, the Lowry is the widest and most comfortable of the private hire canal boats available in Manchester. Moored in the Castlefield basin, the boat has full bar facilities and can offer two- and three-course meals. The two most popular routes are around the canal basin and then either up the Bridgewater Canal to Manchester United - perfect to avoid the match traffic and enjoy a drink - or up the Bridgewater Canal to Hulme Lock then onto the Ship Canal and round past the Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North. The second is by far the best in terms of sightseeing.
Castlefield (902 0222 www.citycentrecruises.co.uk)