20 Stories

20 Stories is widely known as one of Manchester’s most attractive restaurants with jaw-dropping views over the city skyline, which becomes more like Singapore with every visit. This Spinningfields destination also the highest restaurant in the area and an English garden high above the Manchester streets.

A childhood adventure straight out of Enid Blyton, with extra fizzy wine

In long-term partnership with English sparkling wine producer Nyetimber, they have four garden houses which protect diners and drinkers from the northern weather and can be booked for groups of six, in line with government regulations. It’s a smart idea, taking advantage of 20 Stories great views and an inspired way to tackle the numerous restrictions on eating out, while making concerned visitors feel altogether safer.

It’s also great fun. You can lock the door making for a private space where you can natter away with your companions without risk of being overheard or bumped into and the whole experience is like a childhood adventure straight out of Enid Blyton, with extra fizzy wine.

Sharing platters are the order of the day, which come with a bottle of Nyetimber wine – I’m no wine boffin but move over Champagne, the Brits can do it just as well, if not better; which you’d expect from this award-winning brand.

We opt for the meat platter and it’s more than enough for two. Everything you could wish for is here: thick hunks of wonderfully chewy bread, a beautifully soft paté, a zingy potato salad plus a spicy chutney that all work wonders together. The meat is just as good, including chorizo, salami and ham, all nicely salty and served at the perfect temperature. It has the feel of a picnic but in the warmth of these attractive little garden houses.

A great example of where Manchester food and drink is right now

As great as the food is, it’s the experience that makes it a must-visit. The staff are respectful, leaving us to get along with things, while subtly checking to make sure we have everything we need every 20 minutes or so. It’s like nothing else in the city, and as the hospitality landscape readjusts to work within the ever-changing guidelines, this is one of the more appealing examples of where Manchester food and drink is right now.