Team behind much-loved Northern Quarter spot to open new restaurant and bar

The owners of a long-standing, Northern Quarter staple will open a brand new restaurant and cocktail bar in Manchester.

Matt Nellany and Jamie Pickles, who are behind Trof, will be opening a open-fire dining concept known as Stow on Bridge Street in the city centre this November. As well as food cooked over fire, there will be a knockout wine list and a selection of classic cocktails and signatures pours.

Set against a backdrop of low lighting, bar seats, candles and carafes, the pair's plans for the new dining spot centre around the "simplicity of great ingredients cooked over open fire with very little faff". Diners can drop in for quick lunches, group nights out and intimate diners in the new establishment.

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Using local produce, cooked simply using a custom built grill from Firemade in Somerset and fuelled by locally produced wood and charcoal, guests can expect 'simple, delicious food in a laid back, comfortably welcoming' setting. A small, regularly changing menu will revolve around a selection of meat and fish together with a list of veg-centric sides and snacks.

The team at Stow also aim to be recognised for their attention to detail, especially in the quality dishes created using the best produce they can get their hands on and the drinks offerings are no exception. An exclusively French wine list and local beers will complement a list where riff’s on classics sit.

Jamie and Matt believe that their current success with Trof and their combined hospitality experience is the best foundation to be building Stow upon. Having left restaurant management in 2018 to pursue his passion for cooking, Jamie returned to his hometown in the Peak District to develop his skills at The Devonshire Arms pub at Pilsley.

In 2021 he held a kitchen residency at Saint Francis Provisions in Kinsale, Ireland. There, he gained experience working with fresh produce including oysters harvested just five minutes down the road and organic vegetables grown on the hillside overlooking the Atlantic.

Returning to Manchester in 2022, began developing dishes and writing menus for various restaurants, including Trof. His eclectic experience as a chef is testament to his vision for Stow.

Meanwhile, having previously worked in management for Manchester hospitality venues including Living Ventures and Revolution, Matt came in to take over as General Manager of Trof and was awarded Manager of the Year by Mission Mars. He then went on to acquire the business from them in 2020.

Starting his hospitality career in cocktail bartending, his passion for mixology remains, curating a drinks menu that is full of flavour, and expertly crafted. The training and development of staff is something that Matt also holds of the utmost importance, to ensure that the staff enjoy providing excellent service and guests leave with memorable experiences.

Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Trof would also be collaborating with Manchester Union Brewery and Monton's Wandering Palate on a new food and drink concept. Called Trading Route, it will also open in November at the St John's District near Aviva Studios.

The Trading Route promises to serve a mix of cold beers, hot chicken, and a curated selection of upscale pantry items from Wandering Palate. The new spot will boast a purpose-built rotisserie offering freshly carved crisp whole and half chickens along with porchetta, complemented by an array of pickles and dips.

Stow will open on Bridge Street in mid-November. 62 Bridge St, Manchester M3 3BW.