IF you want to take the effort out of your Christmas celebrations, take a look at what's on offer at the DoubleTree by Hilton (formerly Mint Hotel).

This stylish city centre hotel is a favourite of ours – mainly thanks to its stellar food, but also because it does what it does with professionalism and consistency. You can rely on them to get it right, even at the busiest time of the year.

They have a bespoke event team so you won't be left floundering in the foyer on your big night. They'll work hard to ensure all your guests feel welcome, and to bring a seasonal spark to your party.

20120917_Images_Food3aAnd they have a range of stylish, festive spaces available – so whether it's a small gathering with family or friends, or a big knees-up for the office, they can cater for you.

Christmas dining at City Café Manchester

Book a festive lunch or dinner in City Café for a celebration with colleagues or friends. The food here is exceptional thanks to the handiwork of head chef Michael Campbell. Expect something much finer than your standard hotel Christmas fare.

The Christmas menu offers four options per course. Luxurious seasonal flavours include the starters of Poached salmon with caviar and lemon crème fraiche, and Terrine of guinea fowl with pistachio, cranberry, and plum chutney.

20120917_Images_Food2aMains include Roast turkey with apricot and chesnut stuffed leg, roasted vegetables and cranberry sauce, and the 8oz rib eye steak with horseradish mashed potato, onion frites and truffle sauce. For dessert, opt for a Dark chocolate ganach with cherry cloud and cherry sorbet, or a Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy sauce.

This three-course menu with coffee and mince pies is just £19.95 per person for lunch, and £22.50 per person for dinner.

Small and large groups are welcome. And if you'd like to make your meal even more of an occasion, reserve a private dining room. They're available every day from Friday 26 November until Christmas Eve.

Party nights and private parties

You've got various options here. If yours is a small organisation or a department within a larger office, join in the fun at one of their party events. You’ll enjoy the company of a mixed group of people, all intent on having a good time.

Your night will begin with an arrival drink, followed by a three-course set meal with three options per course. After dinner, a DJ will play songs from the '70s up to the present day, keeping the dancing going until 1am.

Party nights cost from £39.95 per person, including arrival drink, three-course meal, half a bottle of wine per person, and the DJ.

20120917_Images_Food1aLarger organisations may prefer to their own private party at the hotel. DoubleTree by Hilton can cater for up to 130 people for a sit down meal with a dance floor, and for up to 150 people for a reception. A set three-course meal with coffee and mince pies costs from £30.00 per person for private parties.

SkyLounge Parties

DoubleTree provides one of Manchester’s premier roof-top private dining spaces. For Christmas they combine it with an amazing seven course dining experience from as little as £40 per person. It's a unique and stylish location for something a little bit different this Christmas.

*November Party Special*

DoubleTree is offering some fantastic deals for companies looking to book their Christmas parties in November. Raffle prizes can include dinner for two, a one night weekend stay, bedroom upgrades and extra Hilton Event Points.

For full details of Christmas at The DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly, download the brochure.

To make a Christmas restaurant booking at City Cafe, call 0161 242 1020.

To discuss your requirements for a Christmas party, please call the events team on 0161 242 1010.