20 Stories, Manchester
20 Stories are located at No1 Spinningfields with the culinary direction being led by acclaimed Michelin star chef, Aiden Byrne
20 Stories are owned D&D London which is a group of diverse restaurants, bars and hotels based principally in London, but also with venues in Paris, New York, Tokyo and now Manchester.
On arrival at 20 Stories, you know that you are entering into a restaurant that excels at customer service. You are greeted by a very welcoming efficient reception team, who guide you to the lift where your swift journey upwards to 20 Stories starts.
We were greeted by Vito the Assistant General Manager who whisked us off to the grand looking bar area. This area was a fantastic space for informal client meetings or after work drinks – and with incredible 360-degree views from this fantastic space.
As an aperitif, we enjoyed a glass of a British Blanc de Blancs from Kent an Albourne Estate at £11 per glass which had a rich apple note that was very light and a perfect start to the evening.
Once we had viewed the menu, we were swiftly taken to our table by Charlie, our waiter. To start, I chose the fennel cured salmon, beetroot and orange vinaigrette which were beautifully presented with all the colours of the rainbow on a plate. It was a great balance of fennel with the right amount of citrus to cut through the richness of the salmon but still keeping it as the hero of the dish. My colleague went for the Chicken and Leek Ballotine with roasted hazelnuts – this was simple but delicious.
Keir, our very knowledgeable sommelier, recommended we try the 2017 RoseChateaux Minuty £12 per glass. Keir’s choice was perfect; it was a pale rose which had a crisp finish which was a perfect selection to accompany our starters.
Next to the main – I opted for the rump of Herwick lamb, spiced couscous and apricots. The lamb was cooked to perfection and melted in the mouth. The accompanying couscous was a surprise as it was flavoured with saffron but had the consistency of a creamy risotto which was rich and delicious. Keir suggested I have the 2015 Pinot noir Neilson at £11.5 per glass, which was a rich, deep glass of dark berries which was a dream pairing with the lamb. My colleague opted for 21 days dried aged Yorkshire Ribeye which was beautifully charred. I must say I got very distracted from my main by the triple cooked chips and often in a “carry on” style of distraction pointed out the beautiful views to my colleague while helping myself to a chip!
Keir paired the steak with a 2014 Dolcetto Lagrein at £10.5 per glass which again went perfectly. He did an excellent job in pairing the wines, and I was suitably impressed with him all night.
Then onto dessert, my colleague and I struggle to decide on desserts, so we ordered 3….. We opted for the Manchester tart, the Chocolate fondant with rocky road ice cream & Chocolate & Violet. The stand out here was the Chocolate and violet – it was like eating a giant Ferrero Rocher with a side of parma violets ice cream. All of the desserts had a nod to a childhood dessert/ sweet which is a great as they have such an emotional tie with people’s memories.
20 Stories excelled, both my colleague and I will be back for both food and just for drinks – it is the venue that has it all!
0161 204 3333 | www.20stories.co.uk
