worldbanker:-

The HH rules for hotels outside the US are slightly different:-

'At Hilton hotels outside the U.S. with Executive Floors, Gold VIPs will be provided with a guest room on the Executive Floor, whenever possible. In cases when there are no Executive Floors or where Executive Floor accommodations have been fully booked, Gold VIP members will be offered a complimentary continental breakfast each morning or an alternative special amenity.'

The Manchester Hilton does not have a lounge but does class one of its floors as 'executive'. If they had upgraded you to this or provide another 'special amenity' i.e. a bowl of fruit, you would not have been entitled to the free continental breakfast.

It is worth noting in the rules that any upgrade to towers or executive level does'nt neccessary include lounge access.