Manchester’s latest otherworldy opening – Stow.

Stow.

/stəʊ/

verb:

pack or store (an object) carefully and neatly in a particular place.

Last week we were tucked away in the most beautiful booth table at the carefully curated and recently opened Stow in Manchester.

I’d have written about it sooner, but honestly? I’ve been too busy savouring and replaying every exquisite moment from the evening.

I went with a group of friends, and by the time we woke up the next morning, the unanimous sentiment across our WhatsApp messages were: “I NEED TO GO BACK ASAP”

We’d had high expectations, of course, knowing the team behind it, their relentless passion, and their knack for elevating food and drink at their other spots. But Stow? Stow is on another level entirely.

The food? Otherworldly.

I need to highlight the whole monkfish tail with trout roe beurre blanc and dill because it was, without exaggeration, one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. And let me tell you, I’m not usually a fish gal, I’m more land-dweller than mermaid.

I also need to note, their smoked cream tart with rum plum. I’m not sure what alchemy or witchcraft was at play, but it completely short-circuited my brain in the best possible way. We almost walked into the kitchen to hug the team. Whilst that would’ve definitely interrupted service, we did demand some answers from one of the co-founders Jamie…. Make it make sense!!!

Stow, this evening was a symphony of flavours and ambience, composed together with the upmost delicacy and comfort, carefully and neatly placed in a little building on Bridge Street in Manchester. Truly wonderful.