The Stock Exchange, 4 Norfolk Street, Manchester, M2 1DW [map]

"Stock is in an imposing building and we dined in impressive surroundings. Regrettably, the food wasn't so impressive. There was a large party in on the night we went and it seemed as though we were being a little neglected, which we wouldn't particularly have minded if the food had been top notch. My calimari starter was rubbery and my chicken main course rather dry. For the price we paid, it wasn't good value and I'd be unlikely to return." - colette pennington, guernsey -NEW MEMBER (26/7/09 - visited on a monday evening)

"It was a great disappointment that we were treated with a cavalier approach when we had booked and paid a deposit 6 weeks prior (which had been banked) for hire of the private room for VIP guests. Receiving a call four working days before the event that they had double booked and we were to be sent our deposit back does not inspire me to recommend Stock." - jane leslie, essex -NEW MEMBER (23/7/09 - booked for a weds eve)

"I found Stock to be very disappointing, overpriced and overrated. We dined there on a Saturday night at 8pm, not particularly busy, but we waited for the starter and main plates to be taken for 20 minutes. The waiter, when told this, seemed not to care. The duck I ordered was overcooked and they made it perfectly clear that they thought I was wrong with this opinion. Our complaints were completely ignored. Overall, I wouldn't go again and would definitely not recommend it." - james, manchester - member since mar'09 (4/7/09 - visited on a saturday evening)

"I went to Stock on a Friday evening and was instantly impressed by the grand, beautiful interior of the restaurant. We were greeted and given the choice of a few tables we could sit at. This was useful because some were nearer to the live jazz band than others. The jazz music was excellent and not too loud, a really nice touch. The waiter was very helpful and after handing us the gorgeous menu and extensive wine list, explained the fresh fish specials and made some useful recommendations. The wine list is very impressive and the bottle we ordered was beautiful. For starter, I had the Gnocchi which was amazing, really fresh, light and tasty. Unfortunately, during the starters I fainted, not to do with the food of course, but something to do with my blood sugar levels we found out later from a doctor. Anyway, the reason I mention this is just to highlight how amazing the staff were in dealing with the situation. I banged my head on the floor and they were happy to let me lie still on the floor whilst I regained consciousness and figured out what the hell had happened. They then calmly took me to a quieter area, brought me water and were really helpful. I am gutted that I was not able to finish my meal at Stock, but I will definitely be returning. An excellent dining experience, even though only short." - claudia, manchester - TRUSTED REVIEWER (4/7/09 - visited on a friday evening)

"We went to Stock Restaurant as a party of 12 to celebrate a birthday. The table was booked for 8.30pm, we sat down at our table at 9pm, our starters were served at 10.10pm and our main course at 11.15pm.
Had the food been hot when it arrived at the table (which it wasn't, in particular the steaks, duck and chicken), it would certainly have been cold by the time the 2 waitresses served the whole table. This applied to both starters and main meals. My chicken livers were bitter and just off cold, the king prawn taglierini bland and dry. Service was extremely poor. 4 bottles of wine had been pre ordered for our table for our arrival. No one seemed to know about this and we were repeatedly given the wine list, though not offered any drink for the first 45 minutes after our arrival or any indication of the time delays. The door manager had a most unusual style of address, in that she appeared not to acknowledge any conversation directed at her. The wait between ordering and the food arriving was unacceptably long, despite the restaurant being only half full towards the end of the evening. Generally, the staff seemed harassed, without care, and disinterested if not downright rude. Starting our main course at 11.15pm at a table booked for 8.30pm was extremely disappointing, not least as most of us were unable to eat it. A service charge of £29 was automatically added to the bill. This was a special birthday celebrated with special friends and family and we were determined to enjoy our time together in the beautiful building, but the occasion was not helped in any way by our experience with the food and service at Stock Restaurant." - anne kidd, chorley - NEW MEMBER (31/5/09 - visited on a saturday evening)

"What a shame! Stock is a lovely restaurant, an excellent meal, attentive staff, good value for money - we thought this was a real find until the bill came. This was when we discovered that as well as a 10% service charge (clearly indicated on the bill), they also ask for a gratuity via the credit card machine. OK, if you're paying attention, you can say no - but how many people after a good meal are really that alert? It really is time this pernicious practice was stamped out." - jonathan blezard, shrewsbury 18/2/09 (visited on a weds lunch)

"We visited Stock for our Christmas night out from work for a dine and disco. The chap doing the organising was disorganised and left me anxious as to how the night would run. The food was excellent but the disco failed to materialise. When asked, the manager's words were 'we serve food, what can I say?' and he walked off. We were also made to pay the service charge in advance of the evening. Not sure what would have happened if we had decided it wasn't worth it - given the attitude of the manager it could have got ugly." - helen blake, manchester 5/12/08 (visited on a thursday evening)

"Food very good, atmosphere very good. My partner and I went in the afternoon and the staff were very friendly and attentive. No complaints, we would definitely go to Stock again." - lena somerville, manchester 6/11/08 (visited on a weds aftermoon)

"We were told to try Stock restaurant by a friend who had visited once before and was completely and utterly impressed with the food, we have to whole heartedly agree with him. Food, service and the place were excellent. One of the things we liked was the choice of food was not as extreme as you find in some restaurants - enough choice without confusion. We will definitely visit again." - mark roddie, bolton 20/10/08 (visited on a sat evening)

"Fantastic, would love to go to Stock again and again, a wonderful wedding anniversary meal thanks to the tremendous 2 for 1 offer on Restaurants Of Manchester." - sue goode, manchester 1/9/08 (visited on a sat evening)

"I love Stock restaurant, but I can still taste the salt in the veal dish, otherwise great." - judith benson, manchester 29/7/08 (visited on a tues evening)

"Excellent meal, excellent value, lovely atmosphere, a great evening at Stock." - william grundy, saddleworth 18/7/08 (visited on a thurs evening)

"Impressive architecture and a superb wine list make this one of the best places in Manchester to conduct a business meal or have a romantic meal. Stock is a great place to spend the evening and live Friday jazz nights, together with regular opera nights, make it a worthy destination. As seems to be the norm in grand dining environments, prices are slightly on the high side although there's plenty of Special Offers available (including 2 for 1 through this website or with a Hi-Life card). Most pasta dishes were £7.50 with mains averaging around £19, although £6.95 for Gnocci rising to £19.95 for T-Bone Steak isn't too bad. I certainly couldn't grumble at spending £13.50 on the lunchtime menu for the tasty Gnocchi di Melanzane starter, which could have easily been a main course, and the Pollo Alla Vesuviano main course, a large breaded chicken escalope topped with tomato, cheese, oregano and asparagus. Like Karims, in an equally impressive building around the corner, the soundtrack of pop tunes didn't really suit the venue although I've already booked a return visit for one of the live jazz nights and have been impressed with their previous opera evenings. I may even wear my tux - certainly wouldn't feel out of place here!" - neil, restaurants of manchester 15/2/08 (visited on a friday lunchtime)