Eats

What’s behind the grand old doors of Manchester’s Stock Exchange Hotel?

We headed down to the Stock Exchange on Norfolk Street, and found a whole other world waiting for us on the other side of those grand old doors.

The Manc The Manc - 29th October 2020

By Anna Gledson

It’s no secret that we haven’t been travelling abroad much this year – and it’s no secret as to why that is, either.

The good old summer holiday has taken a bit of a beating, but we are still just as ready for a break and a change of scenery as ever, if not more so (OK, definitely more so) this year. 

But there are thankfully a few options available for us to leave the worries behind for a bit.

1) Buy a tent, and brave the great outdoors, along with weather that’s about as unpredictable as ‘them in charge’.

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2) Book an apartment out of town somewhere, running the risk of rule changes while you’re away – potentially ending up room-bound in an unfamiliar town or city (there are only so many times you can check the mini-fridge after all).

3) Save yourself the travel and find somewhere local – where the destination is so beautiful and comfortable that you won’t have any need to leave until it’s time to make the short journey home.

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We went with option 3, and booked into the Stock Exchange Hotel, which threw its grand doors open to the public last year.

The hotel occupies the former Manchester Stock Exchange on Norfolk Street (between King St and Market St) just a minute’s walk away from the madness of Manchester’s main shopping district.

Stepping into the high-ceiling reception hall feels like walking into another world.

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There are neat references to the building’s history throughout the hotel – which has been lovingly restored to a magnificent standard with original marble, brass and exquisite woodwork. The hotel is part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio and has 40 rooms, including two signature suites and a stunning 3,500 square foot penthouse.

We were warmly welcomed by the concierge, who had a short checklist to run through during check-in to ensure that we understood the new Covid-secure practices; it was professional, friendly and reassuring.

Once that was done, we were shown up to our room and given a mini history lesson along the way from the very attentive Aiden. He pointed out historic documents and old menus, whilst telling us (among other facts) that the Stock Exchange was built in the early 1900’s in what was then the 9th most populous city in the world.

Our room was grand but super-comfortable. Every inch had been thought through and just screamed luxury. The huge bed dominated the room, and hidden at the foot was a pop-up TV, which also rotated(!) – giving us the choice between lazing in bed, or using the remote to spin it round and sit on the sofa.

By far the highlight though, was the bathroom.

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It was just incredible: white marble throughout, with stylish black and gold fittings. This, coupled with underfloor heating and a bath so big it borders on obscene, really drives home the super-luxe feeling.

Once we had fiddled with all the settings, spun the telly round a few times and warmed our feet on the bathroom floor, we headed down to the Bull and Bear restaurant which boasts having chef Tom Kerridge at the helm.

We headed down slightly earlier than our reservation to grab a drink at the bar and take in the extraordinary voice of Yemi Bolatiwa as part of The Soul Carousel for the recently launched Soul Sundays and it was just perfect, the most gorgeous Sunday afternoon vibe. But the best was yet to come.

We were seated right in front of the open kitchen at one of the huge booth tables – giving us plenty of space, but not feeling like it was forced. The vibe in the dining room was great, and watching a well-tuned kitchen work away is always a pleasure.

I dined at the Bull & Bear when it first opened, and I feel like it has really evolved since then. The big wall-mounted TVs are still on for evening service but display digital works of art (instead of news/sport) to complement the decor – much less intrusive than I remember from my first visit, and a really smart addition.

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The Sunday set menu changes weekly but the staples I imagine stay the same. The offering was varied and interesting but everything you would want from a Sunday roast.

To start, I went for Potted Cornish Crab with Smoked Paprika Butter and Cucumber Chutney, while “he” opted for a Ham & Chicken Terrine, served with a slab of toasted sourdough and “Puckalilli” – a zingy, smooth twist on of the nation’s most underrated condiments. We followed with Rotisserie-cooked Dovecote Top Rump, Roast Potatoes and Horseradish Cream, and Roast Pork Belly with Apple Sauce and Roast Potatoes. 

You can tell the quality of the produce with every bite – nothing is compromised here – and while the starters were delicious, it was the roasts that were the real winner.

We decided to order pretty much all the sides too, because y’know – it’s the weekend, and the whole meal was just an utter joy to eat. Shout out to the B&B chips with the Gerkin Ketchup; an absolute revelation and the most perfect accompaniment to the already delectable roast beef and pork belly.

What really made the experience was the service. The staff were all so lovely and seemed to really enjoy what they were doing, often they would pop over to check in and have a little chat, with nothing feeling at all forced. 

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Our evening was made all-the-more special by sommelier Raff, who along with being thoroughly knowledgeable and very charming, allowed us to try a 1971 dessert wine served through a Coravin pourer: A real, rare treat. His passion for wine was palpable and clearly showed – we got the feeling he would be equally excitable upon finding any guest with similar interests.

Bull & Bear Restaurant

After our enthusiasm with the sides, you might assume dessert was off the cards – but no. The Beef Suet Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream was heavenly – rich and flavoursome without being cloying, and the Colston Bassett Eccles Cakes with Chutney are an absolute masterpiece. Little bites of shortcrust pastry packed with delicious stewed currants – alongside the perfect amount of creamy blue cheese and chutney.

The roast is priced at 2 Courses £34.50 or 3 Courses £39 and even though it may seem at the steeper end of the pricing scale, it’s well worth it. The whole meal was faultless – and with live music in the background and wonderful service, I can’t think of a better way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Being right in the heart of the city is a real treat – we were close to some of our favourite bars, so felt obliged to nip out and support them by buying some post-dinner drinks. Having to be “home” by 10pm was almost a benefit as well, giving us the perfect reason to retire to our comfortable and cosy room and be up for a breakfast (which was just as impressive as our evening meal).

We went a little lighter this time round – Manchester-smoked salmon and eggs, served atop sourdough from Pollen bakery in Ancoats, and Staffordshire Oat Cakes with rotisserie bacon and cheese. Both were a triumph, and complimented by a couple of beautifully-presented and delicious coffees.

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If you want to really treat yourself like we did, The Stock Exchange have added a Soul Sunday package to their list of “Exclusive Experiences”, which includes a 3 course meal from the set menu as well as overnight accommodation (with a complimentary room upgrade, subject to availability) and a hearty breakfast in The Bull & Bear to get your Monday off to a flying start too. 

I urge you to leave your Covid worries behind and support local by staying local, check out all that Stock Exchange and Bull & Bear have to offer here and I can assure you, you will love every second as we did. 

Eats

The best cosy pubs in Manchester city centre to hide away on a winter’s day

Danny Jones Danny Jones the best cosy old pubs in manchester city centre

There’s no better feeling than being tucked up all warm and cosy in one of many wonderful pubs in Manchester on a cold day in Manchester, and we should know – we get more than our fair share throughout the year.

Wind, rain, sleet or snow, there’s nothing that a couple of pints in one of our many beloved boozers won’t remedy and when it comes to the festive season, especially, there aren’t many places that make you feel as welcome as you would in your own front room like a cosy Manchester pub.

That’s why we’re giving you a heads-up on some of the very cosiest and most classic Manc pubs for you and yours to pile into when it’s miserable out.

We’ll cheers to that.

The 20 cosiest Manchester pubs

Let’s start with a personal favourite of ours that’s rather handily just around the corner from our office:

1. The City Arms – Central

city arms pub manchester
the city arms menu manchester
The City Arms get filed firmly under ‘cosy pubs in Manchester’. (Credit: The City Arms via Facebook)

If you want to get out of the house and settle into a lovely little pub right in the city centre, then The City Arms is the perfect place to hide away from the weather whilst still enjoying the buzz of city life.

Calling all cask ale lovers, this place is your paradise, with some top-class ales on offer as well as some great meaty, veggie and vegan pies.

2. The Vine Inn – Central

cosy pubs in manchester
Credit: Adam Fagen (via Flickr)
the vine inn manchester city centre
Credit: The Manc Group
Stumble out of one and straight into the other.

Just next door — and we mean that quite literally — is The Vine Inn: another Manc office favourite that gives you the perfect blend of ‘old man pub’ vibes but with the kind of mass appeal that sees countless punters piling into the pub and crowding outside on the streets, it’s that loved.

Luckily, you should be able to squeeze inside when the temperatures drop as it’s spread across three quaint, almost mini-floors (with two separate bars, by the way) that make it feel kind of like a beer bungalow, and that’s why it’s one of the cosiest pubs you’ll find in Manchester.

3. Lass O’Gowrie – Oxford Road Corridor

lass ogowrie manchester city centre irish pub
Credit: The Manc Group
lass ogowrie
pubs oxford road
So long as you’re wrapped up properly, that little outside bit is one of the cosiest pub spots in Manchester (Credit: Lass O’Gowrie via IG)

“I was happy in the haze of a drunken hour”, so the song goes, and we wouldn’t be surprised if Morrisey was singing about the Lass when he wrote this; there’s always plenty of cheering, laughing and, most importantly, drinking in this popular city centre boozer.

Located just off Oxford Road, it offers everything from big screens showing the footy, hearty roast dinners perfect for this time of year, live comedy, music and more. What you’d call a traditional Manc pub kitted out with local memorabilia and filled with good people, you’ll hear no complaints from us.

4. The Circus Tavern – Portland Street

This is Manchester’s smallest pub and as if that wasn’t cool enough, it’s also one of the oldest pubs in the region, so it’s a must-see if you ask us. A perfect little Hobbit hole to cram in when it’s cold outside.

Built back in 1790, The Circus Tavern became a pub in 1840 and has been frequented by the likes of Georgie Best and many other famous Man United players down the years, many of whom you’ll see photos of on the walls. A tourist spot in its own right and, needless to say, very cosy indeed.

5. Mr Thomas’/Sam’s Chop House – Central

Just off Cross Street on the corner of Back Pool Fold, you’ll find what is, for our money, one of the ultimate cosy pubs you’ll find anywhere in Manchester city centre: Mr Thomas’ Chop House, a.k.a. ‘Old Tom’s’ — and then, head literally across the road and you’ll find its twin, Sam’s Chop House.

Set up by the Studd brothers of the same name, these two sibling boozers have been serving Mancs for over 150 years now and have grown a glowing reputation both for the beautiful condition of their historic bars and for their incredible food. If it was good enough for Lowry, it’s good enough for us.

olds toms pub manchester
Quite comfortably two of the cosiest pubs in all of Greater Manchester. (Credit: Mr. Tom’s Chop House via IG/The Manc Group)

6. The Marble Arch Inn – Ancoats

Heading over beyond Ancoats way and onto Rochdale Road, we have the birthplace of Marble Brewery and the company’s award-winning flagship venue, The Marble Arch. If you’re up for doing a winter’s day ‘the right way’, then The Marble Arch has to be involved.

With its gorgeous mosaic floors, ornate bar, nine hand-pull pumps serving brewery-fresh cask beer, eight carefully selected keg lines on rotation and a partridge in a pear tree, it’s simply one of the prettiest and most traditional pubs you could ask for. The food’s mega too.

@the.manc Friday means a pint is needed, so Daisy took us to her favourite pub The Marble Arch 🍻 #manchesterpubs #manchesterbars #manchesternightout #fyp ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

7. The Kings Arms – Salford

Heading over to Salford now and we’ve got another beautiful boozer in The Kings Arms: a long-standing and simply sublime pub located not too far out of the city centre that’s well worth running into if you’re over that way and happen to get caught in the wind and rain.

Owned by adopted Manc musician Paul Heaton and made even more famous by live-in celebrity cat, Charlie, this real ale house with six curated hand pumps is a Manchester institution, not to mention great for live music and stand-up. Come on, what’s more cosy than a pub that comes with its own cat?

8. The New Oxford – Salford

Sticking in Salford for a spell but down the road to Bexley Square, we always feel the lovely little spot that is The New Oxford never gets anywhere near as much credit as it should given its charm and incredible lineup of real ales and Belgian beers.

Situated on a scenic cobbled corner that could easily be mistaken for some rural road in a small Cheshire village, this place is always packed with footy fans and a few extra in its courtyard during the summer months, but the regulars always know what’s up — not to mention they do a decent pint of Guinness too.

9. The Crown & Kettle – Ancoats

Described as having the ‘oldest pub ceiling in the world’, you can collapse into a comforting armchair by the fire and muse over The Crown Kettle‘s 286-year-old history, pint in hand and plenty of tunes filling the room for sure.

With live music and DJ sets, regular beer-centric events, bingo, the odd pub quiz and plenty more, it’s no surprise this almost statuesque Manchester drinking staple has been named one of the best in the region — and it’s plenty cosy too, believe us.

Ancoats boozer The Crown and Kettle has been named among best in the north west
Not just a super cosy pub but apparently one of the best reviewed watering holes in all of Greater Manchester.

10. Peveril Of The Peak – Central

If you close your eyes and picture a proper English pub, there’ll be round tables, old tiles stained with decades of history, an unbeatable selection of beer, and a jukebox that’s regularly manned by loveable regulars who always make sure to keep the room filled with a warm and fuzzy atmosphere.

That’s exactly what you get with the Peveril Of The Peak: an iconic Manc boozer whose green exterior you can spot from a mile away. It’s only a small gaff but packed with plenty of history, all the best people and it’s still being looked after by the city’s longest-serving landlady to this day. A proper good old gaff.

Hallowed, cosy and homely – truly one of the most legendary pubs in Manchester. (Credit: The Manc Group)

11. The Briton’s Protection – Central

From one historic pub to another, you can head over to Great Bridgewater Street and channel your inner Tommy Shelby as you neck a neat bit of bourbon or scotch to warm the cockles and listen to the crackling flames of the open fires at The Britons Protection.

Another oldie but a goldie, the Briton was established in 1811 and has remained a local favourite snug pub ever since, showcasing over 300 whiskies as well as homemade pies and pasties at lunch. This piece of public house heritage has been under threat for a while now but us Mancs are keeping it alive.

oldest pubs in manchester
irish pubs manchester
Credit: The Manc Group/Bob Harvey (via Geograph)

12. Mulligans

Come on, as if we were going to leave out not only a contender for the ultimate cosy pub but possibly the very best boozer in all of Manchester. As well as serving comfortably the best Guinness in all the 10 boroughs and supposedly ‘the best outside of Ireland’, it’s also just everything you want on a cold day.

With live music every day, sport on the box pretty much 24/7; multiple lovely little nooks and more than enough bodies to keep the place warm even in the height of winter, not mention a whole new second floor, Mulligans of Deansgate is now twice the worldie it already was. Sláinte!

13. The Eagle Inn – Salford

An award-winning music venue and a bloody good pub, ditch the open-air venues and stuffy bars this winter and dip into the cosy Eagle Inn instead and bask in its comforting warmth.

Combining a traditional pub that delivers a real sense of ‘old Manchester’ with live music and three small rooms off a central corridor with a central bar — historically known by locals as ‘The Lamp Oil’ — The Eagle can’t really be called Salford‘s hidden gem anymore: it’s a rite of passage at this point.

14. The Wharf – Castlefield

Heading over the other side of the Irwell and to the picturesque canals of Castlefield, waterside pub and restaurant The Wharf is undoubtedly one of the cosiest pubs in Manchester, with the ground floor feeling like one big lounge, the upstairs making for the perfect cost date night spot and the outdoor terrace just as much a dream in winter as it is summer.

With amazing pub grub, a massive and ever-rotating drinks menu, as well as a patio that feels just as warming as the indoors with its big tipi and overhead heaters come winter, plus live music, hosting local clubs and various other events throughout the year, this place has it all. Plenty of cute pups too.

15. The Molly House – Gay Village

Back into the centre now and toward Gay Village for what remains one of the most cosy feeling pubs we’ve ever been in full stop, let alone just in 0161. If you’ve never been to The Molly House then you seriously need to right that wrong.

With a name that harks back to a fascinating backstory, there’s nothing more welcoming than the sight of the open hearth, the waft of their irresistible tapas menu; the glow of their multi-coloured Tiffany-style lampshades and a drinks menu to suit all tastes. It’s even better at Christmas. Enjoy!

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16. Grey Horse Inn – Portland St

Just a couple blocks over and back onto Portland Street, you’ve also got the Circus Tavern’s equally pokey little neighbour, The Grey Horse Inn. Once again, it’s among the smallest you’ll find in Manchester but is much more than a mere hole in the wall.

This single-room pub is one of the oldest buildings anywhere in Manchester and is run by Hydes Brewery. Basically just one not-so-big living room plonked right along one of the busiest roads in the city, this place is another very thing slice of Manc hospitality history.

oldest pubs in manchester city centre
manchester pubs
Credit: Grey Horse Inn (via Facebook)

17. Cask – Castlefield and New Islington Marina

Circling back towards Castlefield again, you’ll find the original Cask and its lovely owners who have been serving local crafts and fine Belgian imports for over two decades now. The staff are beyond sound and always happy to talk you through the lineup; they even let you bring in your chippy from next door.

With a nice little garden area tucked away in the back, cosy booths and board games to be enjoyed, it’s no wonder they wanted to replicate their success with the sister bar over towards Ancoats and the Marina — and that’s exactly what they’ve done. Two very welcoming spots all year round.

cask manchester
ancoats pubs cask
Credit: Adam Bruderer (via Flickr)/ Cask

18. The Bay Horse Tavern – Northern Quarter

Not too far from there, you’ll find an NQ favourite in The Bay Horse Tavern: two floors of pure warmth, good vibes, proper food and a steady flow of the good stuff.

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From its twinkly fairly light-draped interior to the perfectly dim-lit interior and variety or deals running throughout the week, the Thomas Street staple is busy no matter the season but there’s something very special about it in the winter. Top-tier Sunday roasts incoming.

northern quarter pubs
Looks super pretty at this time of year
cask liverpool rd manchester
They even still serve Boddies.
bay horse tavern menu
Unreal food too.
Credit: The Bay Horse Tavern (via Instagram)/The Manc Group

19. The Old Wellington – Exchange Square

Our penultimate stop is yet another historic site and cultural cornerstone that stood in Manchester for centuries — just not quite the same spot. Shambles Square feels fitting given how many times we’ve stumbled out of this place of a weekend.

Famously put up on stilts and relocated along with the attached Sinclairs Oyster Bar (also not a bad shout for this list), The Old Wellington might just be the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’re in Ye Olde England, stumbling across a tavern and bedding in on a rainy night with tankards full of mead. At least that’s what we always imagine when we’re in there, anyway. Long live The Old Welly.

oldest pubs in manchester city centre
Credit: The Manc Group
cosy old pubs in manchester
Credit: The Old Wellington (via Instagram)

20. Castle Hotel – Northern Quarter

Last but by no means least, no list of cosy Manchester pubs is complete without the always popular and music-filled Castle Hotel over on Oldham Street — another storied venue that only seems to get better with age.

Whether it’s live music or the jukebox, a solid Guinness or a pint of Robinson’s, this tightly-packed space is one of those where you’ll never leave without bumping into a familiar face or having a friendly chat with a total stranger. With multiple rooms, an upstairs and a simple but classic British pub aesthetic, you just can’t beat spots like this.

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We hope that puts you in good stead for places to enjoy a cold one this winter, pardon the pun.

It goes without saying that lists like these are never going to every corner of Manchester justice and there are countless other cosy pubs that we would heartily recommend you settle in at when it’s baltic outside, but the list would go on forever if we did that and this should get you started at least.

The same goes for the rest of the 10 boroughs; we’re sure wherever you live in Greater Manchester you’ll know plenty more than us about the cosiest spots near you, but in case you’re looking to venture further out of the region, we’ve put together a list of a few corkers that are a bit more out of the way.

The cosiest country pubs in and around Greater Manchester to visit this winter
There’s obviously plenty more cosy pubs to be enjoyed on the outskirts of Manchester too.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – The Bay Horse Tavern/Kings Arms (via Instagram)/Amie Johnson (via Unsplash)

Eats

Tawny Stores – Inside the stunning canalside restaurant that’s Stockport’s loveliest addition

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Tawny Stores in Marple Bridge. Credit: The Manc Group

There’s a tiny little opening on the outskirts of Stockport that’s so charming, with such delicious food, that we’re going to have to insist you all rearrange your plans to visit immediately.

This is Tawny Stores, a restaurant, cafe and deli where you can do everything from having a romantic candlelit dinner to scoffing a morning pastry to grabbing a loaf of bread to take home.

With a pretty canalside location, and windows that look out over the water, it’s already proving a fantastic addition to Greater Manchester.

Tawny Stores is in Marple Bridge, a picturesque village at the foot of the Peak District hills (which feels a million miles from Stockport, but the name on the wheelie bins doesn’t lie).

It may be a total pain in the arse to get to, especially with every-other train being cancelled, but getting stuck out here is far from being the end of the world.

From their tiny kitchen they cook an ever-changing menu that’s technical, but simple.

By the time you read this the menu will probably have changed again, but here we go anyway.

Rabbit pie at Tawny Stores in Marple Bridge. Credit: The Manc Group
Rabbit pie at Tawny Stores in Marple Bridge. Credit: The Manc Group
A cheese toastie at Tawny Stores.
A cheese toastie at Tawny Stores. Credit: The Manc Group
Homemade crisps and a glass of wine. Credit: The Manc Group
Homemade crisps and a glass of wine. Credit: The Manc Group
Roast squash and lentils. Credit: The Manc Group
Roast squash and lentils at Tawny Stores in Marple Bridge. Credit: The Manc Group

We had a wild rabbit, cider and tarragon pie, with a crust that could win awards and a generous dollop of silky smooth mash.

There was a simple cheese and onion toastie, elevated by some top-quality bread and homemade chutney on the side.

A warming pile of lentils was then topped with roasted squash and a zingy and herby green sauce to zap it (and you) back to life.

And then there’s homemade focaccia, which you can order with olive oil or have it as a sandwich, where fillings are currently festive and include squash and stuffing, crispy sprouts and aioli, and pork Milanese and cranberry.

Inside Tawny Stores, Marple Bridge, Stockport. Credit: The Manc Group
Inside Tawny Stores, Marple Bridge, Stockport. Credit: The Manc Group
Tawny Stores in Marple Bridge. Credit: The Manc Group
Tawny Stores in Marple Bridge. Credit: The Manc Group

Before you head out, take a moment to browse the shelves full of produce (and the display unit filled with homemade cakes).

You can grab a hot drink to walk down the canal and burn off some of that fuel, or do it in reverse and come in here to warm your cockles after a brisk winter stroll.

Either way, it’s one to visit – and soon.

You can follow them on Instagram HERE for their latest menus.

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Featured image: The Manc Group

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