There’s something deliciously indecorous about sipping on a long chilled cocktail in the hallowed walls of Milton Hall.
Not just because it’s only a whisker after 5.30pm on a Friday night, but because it was originally designed as a place of worship for the city’s Congregationalists…. who were teetotal.
This stunning former Congregational Church House on Deansgate dates from 1900 and was a place where church-goers would come together for weekly worship.
Now the Grade II-listed building plays host to celebrities and professionals in its latest incarnation as contemporary members club The Milton Club.
HEAVENLY: Stunning original features
You’d be forgiven for thinking that you’d accidentally stumbled upon an active church with its stained glass windows, religious icons and a host of chubby cherubims peeping out from the ceiling murals.
However the sleek marble floorings, sweeping staircase and lavish chandeliers reveal that this building has metamorphosed into a spiritual sanctuary of a different kind.
Here revellers get the chance to loosen their ties and kick off the weekend in style in with a wide range of cocktails and in-house DJs who play the best of soul, disco, funk and contemporary hits
into the small hours.
GRAND: Exquisite ceiling murals
PR and Events Executive Jessica Kemp explained that the club offers something new to the already bustling bar and club scene.
She said: “If you’re a business professional who’s over 25 and has been working all week, we offer a space where people can come to unwind and relax in gorgeous surroundings.
“You can choose it as a place to start your night and have a few drinks before heading off for a meal or to the theatre, or it can be the place to end the night in style.”
STYLISH: Revellers can enjoy the surroundings of the inner sanctum
Members have rubbed shoulders with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Danny Cipriani and John Ameachi who are just some of the famous faces to have dropped into the bar since it opened on November 16 last year.
Great company, live entertainment and a well-stocked bar contains all the essentials to kick back and relax.
EYE-CATCHING DECOR: Amber and charcoal interior design
The club’s namesake is poet and philosopher John Milton who penned the epic poem Paradise Lost, and his face can also be seen on the foyer ceiling of Milton Hall itself residing over the boozy proceedings below.
PARADISE LOST? John Milton oversees the members club
International interior designer Bernard Carroll, of Carroll Design, said that he and the rest of the design team we’re excited at by The Milton Club.
He said: The building itself has a great heritage and the original detail is really exceptional. Creatively we had a wonderful canvas as the space is so interesting.
“The distinctive amber and charcoal grey/brown colours are in-keeping with the ambience of a space that is designed for relaxation, socialising and fun.”
BACK TO ITS ROOTS: The original church sign
Although the entrance is rather inconspicuous, here’s hoping that this Paradise Lost, will become a bustling Paradise Found in the heart of Manchester.
For more information about The Milton Club click here.
