20 STORIES: MANCHESTER

07/11/19

*AD: Gifted - this was a press meal and I received a complimentary meal and drinks for an honest review.*

Why you should visit:

For the sky-high views across Manchester
To take advantage of the affordable and delicious lunch menu
Relax with cocktails on the terrace (it has heaters for winter!)
Enjoy friendly and helpful service

DESTINATION:

20 Stories is situated on the edge of Spinningfields, near the recently opened The Ivy. It is true to its name and pretty high up, with the restaurant and bar 19 floors high with 360 degree views across Manchester. Depending on which side you’re looking out at, you can see the tall and impressive Hilton hotel, the old GMEX building and get a full view of all the new industrial developments going on across the city. Unfortunately on the day my Mum and I visited, it was a typical Manchester day. You know the ones where it is the epitome of grey and the rain literally soaks you right through to the bone? So, the view wasn’t the best it could be, although we still appreciated the panoramic sights across Manchester.

DECOR:

There is a smart and sophisticated modern feel to the interiors throughout 20 Stories. As soon as you enter on the ground floor, with its soft mood lighting and grand floral displays, it feels luxurious and you know you’re in for a nice time. The colour palette is minimal, but there are little touches of eccentricity, such as the vases bulging with bright pink pampas grass and bright red floral bouquets, both adding a slight oriental feel.

The whole space is open plan, with a spacious almost carousel style bar area on one side and a restaurant on the other, with well thought out seating to make the most of the impressive views. We were seated at a table for two in the middle, which was a good spot, but the coveted seats are definitely those right in front of the floor to ceiling glass windows.

DINING:

We were visiting to sample their set lunch menu, which is very reasonably priced at £22.50 for 2 courses and £27.50 for 3 courses. There were three choices across each of the starters, mains and desserts and it was a varied menu. The very helpful Sommelier chose a bottle of Iranian wine for us based on our tastes, and it was crisp, dry and very drinkable!

To begin, I chose the Honey Roast Parsnip Soup and my Mum opted for the Game Terrine. The terrine came alongside chutney and toasted brioche and it was rich and flavoursome. The soup was sweet and earthy and tasted delicious, with crunchy parsnip crisps on top. We also had some bread and butter alongside, and it was freshly made and still warm.

For main course we were unadventurous, and both chose the same! The sound of the Corn Fed Chicken Breast with Roscoff Onion and Savoy Cabbage was too tempting not to order though. It didn’t disappoint, and the onion ketchup which came alongside the chicken really packed a punch and made the dish. We ordered some Triple Cooked Chips alongside and they were probably some of the best I’ve ever eaten with a perfect crisp coating and fluffy centre.

For dessert, we definitely had to order two dishes to share, as neither of us could decide between the Banoffee Choux Bun and the Chocolate Brownie and Raspberry Sorbet. The choux pastry was incredibly light, and the rich cream and sweet banana caramel oozed out of it. The brownie was exactly as it should be, crisp yet gooey and the sharp raspberry sorbet complimented it perfectly.

We finished the meal with a pot of tea and some shortbread each and were able to relax and digest our meal before heading back out into the Manchester rain!

DEBRIEF:

We had an enjoyable afternoon at 20 Stories and both of us agreed we would definitely visit again. They have a festive set lunch menu available at the moment and it would be a perfect choice for a nice treat amidst the Christmas shopping. Or it’s worth visiting for a cocktail to take in the views over Manchester.