Afternoon Tea with Altitude: Cloud 23, Manchester
For Afternoon Tea with sky-high glamour and panoramic views, Cloud 23 at the Hilton Deansgate offers a truly unique experience. Located on the 23rd floor of the Beetham Tower. One of Manchester’s most iconic buildings, this sleek and stylish bar provides a luxurious setting for indulging in one of Britain’s finest traditions. With floor-to-ceiling windows and an atmosphere that’s as elevated as the view, Afternoon Tea at Cloud 23 is perfect for those seeking something a little special.
Whether you’re celebrating a big occasion or simply treating yourself to an afternoon of indulgence, Cloud 23 delivers a sophisticated and unforgettable experience.
Sky-High Afternoon Tea with a Modern Twist
Cloud 23’s Afternoon Tea takes the classic format and gives it a modern, Manchester-inspired twist. Served with elegant presentation, the three-tiered stand arrives with a well-balanced mix of savouries, scones, and sweets, all crafted to complement the bar’s upscale surroundings.
The savoury selection includes an assortment of finger sandwiches and bite-sized delights with seasonal fillings, such as smoked salmon with citrus crème fraîche, beef with horseradish, and cucumber with soft cheese and dill. Each bite is delicately prepared and presented with precision.
Moving up the tiers, you’ll find freshly baked scones, both plain and fruit, served with the traditional accompaniments of clotted cream and strawberry preserve. Soft and fluffy on the inside with a light golden crust, they are a comforting nod to tradition.
The top tier is where Cloud 23’s creativity shines, with a selection of miniature cakes and desserts that change seasonally. Expect refined patisserie items such as raspberry cheesecake bites, chocolate delice, lemon posset, and macarons, designed to delight both the eye and the palate.
Champagne and Cocktail Upgrades
To elevate the experience even further, quite literally guests can opt for Sparkling or Champagne Afternoon Tea, which includes a glass of prosecco or Laurent-Perrier Champagne. For those who prefer something a little more adventurous, Cloud 23 also offers Cocktail Afternoon Tea, featuring signature drinks from their mixology team.
These upgrade options make Cloud 23 a popular choice for special celebrations, from birthdays to bridal showers, and even romantic afternoons with a view.
A Contemporary Setting for Stylish Gatherings
The ambience at Cloud 23 is contemporary and luxurious, with plush furnishings, atmospheric lighting, and of course, those show-stopping views across Manchester’s skyline. The venue offers a high-end yet relaxed feel, welcoming couples, friends, small groups, and those looking to impress guests from out of town.
While it’s best suited to adults and older teens due to the bar-style setting, the venue can accommodate dietary preferences including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options with advance notice.
Booking and Essentials
Afternoon Tea at Cloud 23 is available on selected days, and advance booking is essential. Time slots and upgrade options can be chosen during the online booking process via the official website.
For an Afternoon Tea experience that blends contemporary style, elegant bites, and some of the best views in Manchester, Cloud 23 offers a unique and unforgettable way to enjoy this beloved British tradition literally on another level.
Reviews

We visited on a Monday evening. We were fortunate to have a window seat and had a great view. It’s a beautiful space and we had amazing service from Eve. The cocktails were great. We hadn’t booked. Lovely toilets on the same floor. Highly recommend a cocktail or two to enjoy the view.

A really enjoyable birthday celebration with amazing views. Jenna was really helpful and friendly and Mia made some fantastic cocktails for us. Also thanks to the lovely lady who greeted us when we arrived, everyone was so nice and helpful. Thanks to all staff and management. Highly recommended.

I've been coming to Cloud 23 on and off since not long after it opened and it has been through better and worse times in terms of the food and drink quality. After a gap of a couple of years since my last visit, I didn't know what I'd find but was happy to find the place back to it's better days.

Cloud 23 provided an unforgettable afternoon tea experience for my mum and me. From the moment we stepped into the elegant atmosphere. The panoramic views of the city skyline were breathtaking, creating the perfect backdrop for our delightful tea. Five stars without hesitation!

Treated my mum to an afternoon tea while she was visiting Manchester and we had such a great time. A Tuesday afternoon was nice and quiet so our food and drinks arrived in good time. We were given plenty of time to choose drinks but weren’t left waiting around. Thank you to the staff for such a lovely day.
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