20 Stories is a swanky restaurant and cocktail bar, right near the Opera House, and has both sophistication and charm—perfect for special occasions or a romantic night out.

We were impressed by their North West menu that showcases the region’s best flavours with a side of top-notch service. Just a heads-up, though: you’ll want to dress to impress!

Additionally, the place is spacious enough to feel both comfy and private. During our visit, we were lucky enough to get a prime spot by the window, which was amazing—just be ready for some heavy sunshine if you’re there for lunch.

While the service is usually spot-on, we noticed that getting a reservation or email response can be a bit slow during busy times.

We ended up waiting a couple of days longer than expected for our reservation confirmation. But honestly, the stunning atmosphere, stellar service, and those unbeatable views make it all worth it.

Amazing place

“Amazing place.  Felt so tranquil.  Delicious cocktails. £15 each roughly price point expected for this type of establishment. Highly recommend. We went on a Tuesday early evening it was quite busy but we able to get a table on the terrace. I would suggest booking. The basket chairs were probably the best seats for couples.  Private party pods looked good. Or for a main meal then restaurant looked beautiful.  Even the toilets had an amazing view.”

Bev Langford, Google Review

Stunning location

“Stunning location. Literally the most beautiful rooftop, super spacious with tons of different seating options. There were 2 glass rooms out there for groups to sit in which would keep any wind off. Some seats had patio heaters. The bathrooms were nice and clean and funnily had the craziest views from so high up.”

M MacDonald, Google Review

Zouk Tea Bar & Grill is a buzzing spot that’s all about top-notch Indian and Pakistani food served in a lively atmosphere.

We were impressed during our visit, and it’s clear from chatting with regulars and our colleagues that the stylish and comfy vibe really adds to the whole experience.

Getting to Zouk is pretty straightforward with good public transport options and parking nearby, though finding a spot can be a bit of a mission during peak times.

The food and ambience are spot-on, but the service could use a bit of a boost. We’ve heard that some diners have had to wait longer than they’d like for their tables and food, and communication about reservations can be hit or miss.

On the plus side, Zouk offers great value for money with tasty, well-prepared dishes. The portions are generous, and most people feel the quality justifies the slightly higher prices.

Despite a few minor hiccups, Zouk delivers a solid dining experience. It remains as our top pick for both casual hangouts and special occasions.

Beautiful decor, great ambiance

“Not going to lie, online photos of the place made me go there and I wasn’t disappointed. Beautiful decor, great ambiance although can get quite noisy. Food was fab, very tasty. Minus one star because the service was poor. Waited almost 40 minutes for food that came with some orders coming another 10 minutes later.”

Savvy, Google Review

A wonderful and lovely brunch experience here

“What a wonderful and lovely brunch experience here! The options were vast and we really enjoyed the brunch mixed sharing platter. It’s a very beautiful venue, and we are really looking forward to coming here again to try the dinner options! Thank you so much.”

Abdul Muktadir, Google Review

Menagerie is the place to be if you want to be around stylish food and chic decor while dining!

We dropped by for a birthday bash, and the modern, glamorous design really set the tone for a special night. The stylish atmosphere was a hit with everyone!

Additionally, the seating works well for both small and large groups. When we went, the place was packed, and while the energy was great, it did get a bit cramped, especially around peak dining times.

Service was a bit of a mixed bag during our visit. The staff were friendly and professional, but we did experience a few delays, particularly when the restaurant got busy.

While the food and ambience were usually worth the price, some of us felt the cost was a bit steep compared to the portion sizes and service. 

Given these minor issues, we still think that Menagerie’s stylish vibe and lively atmosphere make them a great spot for both al fresco and indoor dining.

 Everything was amazing!

“Came here for my birthday, we were a party of six! everything was amazing! Staff were very friendly and attentive! atmosphere was great! food didn’t take long at all and was outstanding! We will definitely be returning!”

Ami Harper, Google Review

A lively atmosphere with a great ambiance

“A lively atmosphere with a great ambiance. A wide selection of good cocktails and a wide range of tasty dishes. If you’re after a lively night with an electric atmosphere then this a good shout for you.”

Halima Averill, Google Review

The River Restaurant is a gem at The Lowry Hotel, which is famous for its gorgeous views and elegant vibe. Basically, we love the top-notch food with a touch of luxury.

We also loved the soft lighting, relaxing background tunes, and those scenic views. Lots of customers we spoke to rave about the calming atmosphere as a big part of the charm.

Service at The River Restaurant is a bit of a mixed bag, though. Some customers report quick and efficient service, while others mention a few hiccups with reservations and slow responses to queries.

Also, we noted that food quality can sometimes be a bit inconsistent at times, as we experienced in our multiple visits.

That said, we appreciate that the staff are generally friendly and know their stuff, offering great recommendations and adding to the overall positive experience.

The River Restaurant is definitely on the pricier side, but many of our colleagues who visited them felt that the quality of the food and the stunning setting make it worth the splurge. 

We had an excellent meal at this restaurant.

“We had an excellent meal at this restaurant. The food was cooked perfectly and the flavours brilliant. In particular the service from Gerda and Annalise was outstanding. They made our visit enjoyable and would highly recommend the restaurant.”

Franny Zooey, Google Review

The terrace outside was great

“FABULOUS. Food gorgeous. Staff are so lovely (especially Denilson who really looked after us.) Very relaxed atmosphere. The terrace outside was great, we sat there before and after our meal. Already booked to go back. We went for a walk over the bridge too.”

Jackie Davies, Google Review

Our team absolutely loved the welcoming vibe at Store Street Exchange. It’s got that perfect mix of relaxed and sophisticated, making it ideal for everything from a casual bite to a special celebration.

Conveniently located with good public transport links and nearby parking, the restaurant is easily accessible. It’s also thoughtfully designed to accommodate guests with mobility issues which we greatly appreciate.

Additionally, the service at Store Street Exchange is exceptional. The staff are friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable—we always had a delightful dining experience during our visit!

On top of that, you get fantastic value for your money. We loved their generous portions and consistent quality, so it’s definitely worth every penny.

While the restaurant has limited outdoor seating and doesn’t offer takeaways or delivery, the stylish decor and relaxed atmosphere make it a hit for all kinds of dining. Overall, Store Street Exchange gets high marks from us!

I highly recommend it.

“It was a beautiful little place in the northern quarter. The staff were lovely, the atmosphere was lovely. I highly recommend it.”

Ice falls, Snow storms, Google Review

The food is delicious

“The food is delicious and the prices are reasonable”

M Alkhulaifi, Google Review