Stock Restaurant

Posh restaurants intrigue me as I have never really dined in one. I have read the reviews in local and weekend newspapers and slathered over the descriptions of divine sounding dishes. However I have also tutted over the prices commanded by these prestigious establishments. I do know the chefs have more experience and the ingredients used are generally better but is the mark up on meals actually justified? I got my chance to find out when Duskman became Dr Dusk and graduated with his PHD. To celebrate we went to Stock in Manchester City Centre for a no expenses spared meal and what a delight it was. Stock is an Italian restaurant but it is not any old ...

Beautiful setting made us anticipate an exeptional meal. But beware there is no separate area for non-smokers and this alone is enough to spoil non-smokers' taste in this modern world. The food was suprisingly indifferent for a restaurant of Stock's reputation with a pudding reminiscent of Angel Delight with meringue instead of chocolate mousse, interrupted by the next table being dismanted and enlarged with a huge piece of MDF! We love going out for long leisurely weekend lunches this failed to meet our expectations. ...

This is a special occasion restaurant - and not just that intimate anniversary meal, either, as it's ideal for a larger groups, too. It's named Stock because it is in the old Stock Exchange in Manchester, so it's very central - not far away from the Arndale Centre, but in the upmarket part of town - in a very fine old building, with a magnificent 50ft domed ceiling. There's plenty of room, as the restarant seats around 125. The tables near the walls have plush bench seating, and I guess you could fit at least six people around each table. But it's still a suitable venue for a more romantic evening, if that's what you have in mind. ...