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

"Like the previous reviewer, I also visited Stock this weekend after reading Gordo's review on Manchester Confidential - I don't know why as I have never agreed with one of their reviews yet and, let's face it, who actually believes anything that Gordo says about these restaurants who obviously pay him!?! I had exactly the same experience as the previous reviewer - over-priced, average food and appalling service. I ordered lamb on a bed of lentils. It was alright but I'd love to see the size of the chef's bedroom if that was a 'bed' of lentils - there was enough to feed a third world country - they should have renamed the dish "piccolo agnello in una benna delle lenticchie" (a small bit of lamb in a bucket of lentils). Like the previous reviewer points out - the music choice is loud and inappropiate for such a beautiful building, the wine list is great and the clientelle is more upmarket than most - although many also seemed to be as equally annoyed at the poor service and average food as we were. One other thing - they charge 10% service charge on the bill then prompt you to add a further gratuity when you pay by credit card - daylight robbery - especially as 20% at an establishment this overpriced would pay for a full meal at many better Italian restaurants in town." - amy, cheshire 8/5/07 (visited on a friday evening)

"Now I'll be up front about this review - I want to love Stock - the building is impressive and the wine list is superb. The choice of traditional Italian dishes is fantastic and, what's more, they accept Hi-Life so I can get 2 meals for the price of 1. The last 2 times I've been there though I was left very disappointed and somewhat more skint - the words 'mega' and 'expensive' are often used together in describing this place. I had 2 friends over from Italy last night, so decided to give it another go. I'd also read Manchester Confidential's so-called 'food reviewer' Gordo giving it the thumbs up - although this is the same guy who described Linen as the best restaurant he'd ever been to before it even opened and admitted in the same review he hadn't even eaten any food there! Obviously - whoever pays his wages gets a good review. Unfortunately, Stock were not paying me and even if they did, they still wouldn't have got a glowing reference...

"First of all, the service - it's been described as 'dire' in many reviews I've seen. I couldn't agree more. The menu does warn that there can be a long wait as the dishes are all cooked to order. 40 minutes though. Is that reasonable!?! The place is largely full of business people and I could see many around me getting agitated about having to wait for service - a couple of tables even got fed up trying to get the waiter's attention to ask for the bill, they simply got up and paid at the till on the way out. It wasn't that busy and there's no shortage of otherwise friendly waiters - pity is they just seem to walk up and down trying their best to avoid any customer requests. Even the manager seems to have been to the Italian school of training. Nice suit and looking good is more important than actually getting involved and getting your hands dirty.

The wine list saves Stock - a superb choice taking in all the regions of Italy, much to the delight of my Italian friends. The music doesn't compliment the place - rather than playing opera or classical, which would sound great in this 'cathedral like' domed environment, you get Robbie Williams and various other pop songs played quite loudly. Stock do offer opera nights, however the prices get even steeper still, if that's indeed possible.

"The food is ok - nothing special - but at these prices you expect more. Like the previous reviewer, my veal was noticeably greasy whilst the nondescript seafood platter was incredibly overpriced at £12. In the toilets, which themselves aren't very well maintained, I overheard 4 businessmen talking about how disappointed they were with their meal and I have to say, that probably summed up my experience too." - matthew, manchester 4/5/07 (visited on a thursday evening)

"Stock restaurant used to be great. Now it is awful beyond belief. The service is lethargic, and the staff seem clinically depressed. The maitre d' was aggressive when we complained about the squid that tasted of, well nothing actually. The veal was greasy, and tried to slither away. And don't mention the bill! Please, if you like good food, never come here" - geoff sloan, manchester 3/4/07 (visited on a friday evening)