A Surreal Cubanisto Experience At The House of Mask

It started when we first arrived, with our names on the VIP guest list.  

No, I lied. First we followed the spray painted masks on the floor, which led us to the Old Granada studios, a place steeped in history but now chillingly empty and devoid of character. Yet it was perfect for the Cubanisto Launch Party in Manchester.  

This was pretty surreal for the both of us. Especially Kirsty. We got special wristbands, but then joined the back of the standard queue. I was pretty sure that being VIP, we’d be able to skip this queue and head straight up the stairs, and into the event, of which we still had no idea what to expect. 

Kirsty though, is from a more humble background, and she wanted to stand with everyone else. Nothing worse than looking snobbish trying to skip the queue and then getting rejected.  

After waiting a while though, some more VIPs walked past with wristbands on, skipping the queue and heading straight up. Forget waiting, we thought, and off we went.  

And that’s when things got weird.  

First, we were greeted by guys dressed all in white, like androids basically. Then, we had to confess our sins on a chequebook, in order to enter. We handed these cheques to two girls speaking in unison, asking us to “give us your confession. Then you may enter,” little knowing that these confessions would later be displayed on a big screen.  

Then, we had to climb through a wardrobe, navigate an array of obstacles in the dark, and then climb through a tunnel. It was a lesson in how to build suspense and intrigue, as well as being a little bit unnerving too.  

But then we popped through a little door, and into the party. A free Cubanisto beer on entry, this was all about Cuba, enjoying the rum flavoured beer, and having a good time. We were given masks to decorate and wear, and a piece of jigsaw puzzle. Everyone had different pieces, and you had to find the three connecting pieces by mingling and talking to new people. Then, you could collect your key.  

Your key opened mystery boxes around the room, let you enter the Photo Booth (which was a fun addition) and got you free Media Noche sliders, which were pretty tasty. 

 

With luminous art being painted on both sides of the room, and a DJ on the decks, Cubanisto beer was free flowing (and it was free and unlimited for us - in full disclosure - but it was awesome!) Once you got over the initial surreal shock, it was a pretty random night out, very different, and very fun. And we both really enjoyed the Cubanisto beer too, as it seemed did everyone else in Manchester.  

So if you hear about a House of Mask launch party in your area, or you haven’t tried the new rum flavoured beer yet, I’d definitely recommend checking it out!