Stock Market Grill review: A unique dining experience amidst the Edwardian splendour of Manchester’s former Stock Exchange

The restaurant is being run by the Schofield brothers, who are behind some of the city’s most celebrated drinking establishments such as Schofields and Sterling.

Head chef, Joshua Reed-Cooper, has previously worked at some of Manchester’s most renowned kitchens, such as Where The Light Gets In, and brings his extensive experience to the menu at Stock Market Grill.

The building was originally built between 1904 and 1906 as the Manchester Stock Exchange, a symbol of the city’s growing confidence and prosperity.

This period of confidence is reflected in the stunning Edwardian Baroque architecture that was purpose-built to house one of the world’s busiest stock exchanges and served as a hub for business and finance in the region.

Now, this historical gem has been transformed into a new restaurant called the Stock Market Grill, which pays homage to the building’s rich heritage both in style and spirit.

As I entered the restaurant, I was struck by the stunning decor that featured ornate domed ceilings, elegant chandeliers, and plush leather seating.

The ambience was inviting and sophisticated, with a mix of vintage and modern elements that created a unique and memorable atmosphere.

The menu at Stock Market Grill is designed to showcase the wonderful cuisine of the British Isles, using only top-quality local ingredients. They pride themselves on working with some of the best suppliers in Great Britain to create dishes that are unique and full of flavour.

For starters, I opted for the Montgomery Cheddar & Anchovy Straws (£7) and Steak Tartare with Beef Fat Yolk (£16).

Both dishes were beautifully presented, and the straws were perfectly crisp and packed with flavour.

The taste of steak tartare with beef fat yolk was as rich, savoury, and meaty. The beef is seasoned with tangy and acidic flavours such as mustard and Worcestershire sauce, which adds a zesty kick to the dish, in stark comparison to the beef fat yolk, which has a smooth and creamy texture which creates an intensely pleasurable dish.

My dining companion went for the hand raised pork pie with English mustard (£6), and we both agreed that it was one of the best pork pies we had ever tasted.

The crust was flaky and buttery, and the pork filling was succulent and full of flavour.

We also shared a pair of delicious hand dived Scottish Scallops with smoked butter, pork crackling and birch, which were absolutely impeccable. The presentation of the dish was also astounding. These are a must try at £7 each.

For the main course, I ordered the Duck Breast with Peppercorn Sauce & Glazed Turnips (£29), which was impressive. The duck was immensely succulent, with the peppercorn sauce adding a bold and delicious kick to the dish.

My companion went for the Cornish Cod with Roast Hispi Cabbage, Potted Shrimp & Lemon Butter (£24).

The dish was a perfect balance of flavours and textures, with the cod cooked to perfection and the lemon butter adding a zesty and refreshing twist.

We also ordered a selection of sides, including Pressed Chips in Dripping (£7), Ogleshield & Mangalitsa Bacon Hotpot (£7), and creamed leeks (£7).

The chips were crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and the hotpot was a hearty and sumptuous accompaniment to the mains and melted in your mouth. The hotpot was so delicious, it could have been a dish in itself.

The creamed leeks (£7) were a standout side, with a rich and indulgent flavour that complemented the other dishes perfectly.

To round off the meal, we indulged in The Macallan Whisky Baba with Chantilly Cream (£12). The dessert was a perfect combination of sweet and savoury, with the whisky baba providing a warm and satisfying finish to the meal.

Overall, I would highly recommend Stock Market Grill to anyone looking for a unique and memorable dining experience in Manchester.

The restaurant’s commitment to quality service, unique experiences, and exquisite setting shines through in every aspect of the dining experience.

The clue is in the name, but the restaurant also has a heroic meat section to be explored by the carnivorous.

The ex-dairy Fresian Rib Eye Steak is a standout option, featuring a high-quality cut of beef that is sure to impress.

Lamb chops with caper sauce are another tasty option, offering tender cuts of lamb paired with a tangy sauce that perfectly complements the meat.

Those looking for something a little sweeter might enjoy the pork chop with caramel apple sauce, which is grilled to perfection and served with a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce.

And finally, the Scottish Langoustines with Long Pepper & Brown Butter offer a seafood twist on the grill section, with succulent shellfish cooked in a nutty brown butter and seasoned with long pepper.

Overall, the Grill section of this menu is a meat lover’s paradise, with something to please every palate.

The food is exceptional, with a menu that is designed to showcase the best of British cuisine. It does that and then some.

Coupled with the stunning decor, relaxed ambiance both sophisticated and inviting, the restaurant is sure to be a hit.

It’s a must-visit for anyone who appreciates good food, good service, and a memorable dining experience.

You can find them here: Stock Exchange Hotel, 4 Norfolk St, Manchester M2 1DW

https://www.stockmarketgrill.com/