Reserve at The Rex

High above the city bustle Reserve at The Rex occupies a space that has long been considered one of Manchester’s most striking vantage points. Perched atop the hulk of a building formerly known as The Gotham, this rooftop is the setting for the hotel’s plushly appointed members’ bar.

The layout is deliberately considered. Rather than one singular space, the club wraps around the central bar, with cosy corners to sip cocktails in – or order a stack of small plates to share with friends. But most notable is, of course, its three roof terraces. Almost a greedy amount.

Each takes the sun at a different time of the day, the one above Spring Gardens in the morning, the one above King Street in the afternoon, and the one on the Brown Street facade for the sunset.

Sunseekers, take note. Shaded by umbrellas or warmed through with heaters in the winter, these panoramic spots can be basked on the whole year round, as Manchester’s skyline evolves in the background.

Inside, the tone strikes a careful balance. Seating invites you to settle in, lighting is soft without being dim, and the overall feel is one of ease rather than show. It’s the kind of place where time slips by without much notice – a few drinks turn into an evening, an evening into something longer.

Access, of course, is part of the appeal. Reserve is built around membership, but for those on the outside looking in, a programme of curated experiences offers a way through the door.

These limited events are designed to showcase the rhythm of the club — a snapshot of what it means to spend time here, whether that’s through hosted gatherings, special collaborations or one-off evenings shaped around the space itself. For nomadic workers, it can even provide a meeting space and desk for the day, and is very likely to impress those who need impressing.