Stalls Cafe Bar - Bridgewater Hall in Manchester

Lunchtime concerts are excellent and varied music. And the food is excellent also

This has got to be the most non atmospheric restaurant ever. No ambiance at all When you consider its at a building which has hosted some of the world's best musicians a little bit of background music would of nice. The food was OK but one if the dishes the zpork Belly had sold out & when you consider the restaurant opened at 5.30pm & we were ordering at 6pm that's a pretty bad show. I ordered the seabass which was very dry & srved with massive green chilli's. Whi would ever serve then together??? All in all a pretty bad experience thank god the show saved the night

Handy for pre-show drinks.... but wine and beer in plastic cups!! 😡. Should have gone to the Protector 50m down the road!

I have a mobility need and the staff are brilliant thank you Bridgewater Hall

Alcohol was left out during a school trip where some students took advantage of this mistake

Bridgewater Hall is a lovely venue for classical music lovers, but watch out with the prices at the bar. Our two drinks and chocolate nibbles (plus two drinks in the interval) came to over 33.00. The service is really slow as well. When I questioned the amount, I was told that was the correct amount. I think they make the prices up as they go along....!!!

Was disappointed that there was only sandwiches & scones but after we had eaten about half an hour they brought pizza out. Much preface eating in the restaurant better value for money too

Comimos aquí antes de ir a un concierto. Yo había reservado de antemano. La comida era muy buena (pero demasiado) y el servicio estaba bien. Sin embargo, tuvimos una experiencia muy extraña con los precios. Cuando llegamos a la mesa, encontramos un Menú cerrado (que parecía ser una bebida) y una hoja de papel A 4 con tres platos impresos para el día. (Había una selección de dos platos principales y dos postres). No había precios impresos en esta hoja y parecía ser una comida fija (era el Día de San Valentín). Así que nos abrimos paso a través de los tres platos, aunque no terminé ni mi sopa ni mi principal, y explicamos repetidamente que había demasiado. En ningún momento el personal reveló que, de hecho, no teníamos que pagar tres cursos, sino que solo podíamos elegir uno. Finalmente, recibimos una factura por 60. 00 (gran parte para comida que no pudimos comer). Esta parece una forma muy extraña de presentar el menú. Seguramente los precios deberían haber sido mostrados en la hoja A 4 y se debería haber dejado en claro que solo un curso era una opción. No nos echaría a andar otra vez, ¡pero lo advertí prevenido! La próxima vez solo uno o dos cursos como máximo y una factura más pequeña.

Visitamos por primera vez para almorzar antes de un concierto. Tuve las tortas de pescado que parecían no contener ningún pescado, solo papa, y estaban demasiado cocidas y secas. Mi marido tenía la hamburguesa de cerdo tirada, que era normal. Los chips que se acompañaban se parecían a los restos de la parte inferior de la bandeja de chips. El vino, con más de 7 una copa era ridículamente caro, y tuvimos que recordarle al camarero que lo trajera. No comeremos aquí de nuevo.

Visited to watch the bite music concert in foyer which is next to the stalls cafe bar. Ok lunch while listening to music

Convenient place to grab food if you’re at a concert and nice space to eat in though pricey. You are allowed to buy drinks with plastic containers and take them into the venue.

Si estás de visita en el Hall de Bridgewater para un concierto o evento de la cafetería es ideal para una comida ligera, una copa o un tentempié. Aparte de eso, es un poco fuera del camino para la mayoría de los visitantes el centro de la ciudad, así que no ocupado, fuera de horas pico

Asistí a una reunión VIP y saludo el I de abril. Hubo una hora y media para matar después de eso antes de que comenzara el concierto. Yo estaba sólo. Estaba lloviendo, así que lo más obvio era quedarse aquí con otros asistentes al concierto. Nos las arreglamos para sentarnos con una pareja encantadora y tomar unas copas que eran preciosas pero caras. El personal era eficiente y amable y el lugar estaba limpio

Extremely disappointed. Have eaten there few years ago. Went 31 Jan 18 As a pre-concert venue the staff very laid back, poorly served school food. Had to leave most of meal. Beef " stew" very salty! One of guests wrote to complain, no reply. The guest then phoned to follow up and got no apologies. The concerts are wonderful but won't be eating there again

Soy un entusiasta de la comida y la música, así que reservamos en la cafetería Stalls. Las dos estrellas son por el servicio y la conveniencia. La comida estaba muy por debajo de la media, y teniendo en cuenta que es esencialmente un restaurante del centro de la ciudad, me decepcionó sinceramente. La sopa sabía como si hubiera venido de un paquete. El vientre de cerdo era muy duro y el desierto era del tamaño de un sello postal. 100 para 4 personas. Realmente no valió la pena. Es una lástima ya que está idealmente ubicado para los asistentes al concierto.Gracias a nuestra camarera. Ella fue muy amable y atenta.

Reservamos una mesa en el bar cafetería puestos antes del espectáculo recordando un sábado por la noche fred. Nunca había visitado antes, así que estaba un poco desconfiado y esperaba un ambiente muy informal. Sin embargo, es una zona pequeña, elegante y muy formal al lado de, pero bastante independiente de la principal. Disfrutamos de una cena deliciosa y recibimos un servicio muy bueno en todo momento. No había una enorme variedad, pero suficiente para disfrutar de una comida muy agradable. Era un lugar ideal para una cena antes del teatro, muy práctico y relajante. Supongo que algunos de los comentarios positivos se refieren a la zona del bar, que hacía muy general ocupado y bastante concurridos. Sin duda nuevo, pero recomiendo hacer reserva para asegurarse de conseguir una mesa.

He comido dos veces aquí. La primera vez que nos presentamos" en speck" pero sólo hay unas pocas mesas, así que es mejor que reserves, que es lo que hicimos en la segunda vez. La comida era muy buena en ambas ocasiones y el servicio era muy bueno. Todo por un precio razonable y mucho más cómoda que la avalancha que es la zona de bebidas y tortas. Sólo Sin embargo, tienen un extraño trato al cliente (pedimos una segunda rebanada de pan y nos dijeron que el chef sólo hizo lo suficiente para las reservas! Tonos de países comunistas! ).

At our pre concert lunch had to stand to eat our lunch as no free seats. Sandwiches and coffee were good quality but a shame we were unable to relax and enjoy them.

Nos presentamos entre semana para un almuerzo más ligero y quedamos sorprendidos de lo tranquilo que era. Nos registramos el menú en línea, a pesar de que ha cambiado un poco. Muy agradable ambiente tranquilo con vistas al río y al canal.

Locale con non troppe pretese, non male, ma neanche benissimo, con tanti piccoli accorgimenti potrebbe essere davvero meglio, comunque servizio rapido.

Llegamos temprano para el espectáculo nocturno del Cascanueces y así pensamos comer en el bar cafetería puestos. Por desgracia, todo lo que estaba en oferta hasta las 18. 00 era unos sándwiches fríos, así que decidimos esperar y tenía una bebida caliente, que solo estaba muy caliente. Nos dimos cuenta de que otros visitantes fueron dejando sus sándwiches. El bar de comida caliente era establecer y en 6. 00 pedimos dos y relleno de pavo caliente y dos hongos caliente y salsa de barbacoa de humo. Los bocadillos eran preparados como esperamos, el pavo y setas siendo tomado de lidded ollas. Sirve en panecillos floury frías y secas, (frescos del congelador? El relleno ya había) no tibia caliente, la Turquía era tierna, pero tenía un montón de grasa o piel colgando, las setas no eran mucho mejores, una combinación rara con la salsa. Para empeorar las cosas, eran servidos en pequeños trozos de cartón, poco prácticos y muy desordenados. En general, una muy decepcionante comprobar concierto "comida"! Suponemos que este era un "pop up" pero bar según la web, este es un arreglo permanente. El Bridgewater es un fantástico lugar, mal ese intento de "comida de bar". Tendría sentido tener una más permanente para bebidas calientes y comida en vez de frascos de agua caliente y ollas de comida transportada desde la cocina. Hemos visitado muchas veces la bridgewater para una variedad de representaciones, pero nunca he comido allí anteriormente! Ciertamente no me molestaría de nuevo.

busy but service good prices ok although not much seating . no bins to view either, signs be great to indicate upper bars open to help keep crowds dispersed.

Este es un comentario para el bar, no el lugar o concierto asistimos, que era increíble (espectacular espacio). No me importa pagar un poco más el precio de 13 libras para ir pero un Pimms y limonada, regular la coca cola y bolsa de tipo...

Si estás en el hall y necesita una bebida está bien hacer algo, este no es el lugar para comer si te sientes un poco pekish

We visit the Bridgewater quite often to see the shows. Its the most beautful place to see them, seating is excellent and sound.We eat in the stalls cafe and every time we have had an excellent meal with no hassle food well presented

Like most entertainment venues such as theatres and concert places drinks are overpriced, but needs must when you need a drink. £2.50 for a standard bottle of Oasis which costs just £1 in the local shop, and I had to ask for a glass and some ice. Coffee £2, nothing wrong with that. I thought I would have a pint of Heineken (although not sure it was a pint in the plastic glass served) £5.20, yes £5.20… I joked it was almost as expensive as Oslo having just returned from there that morning!Since bags are not checked on going into the venue, I see no reason why you can’t take your own drinks in!The bar can get busy prior to a concert and during intervals, but service was fast and friendly. Can be difficult to obtain a seat during busy times.

If you're there for a concert, the bar on the ground floor is busy and buzzing. It offers basic food and expensive drinks, but you're a captive audience.

We had dinner here prior to a Nigel Kennedy Concert. Very convenient as no hassle to get back in time for concert. Food was nice too good starter and decent main course although bowl of chips was minute. Speedy service. Room a bit soulless but overall a good experience.

We ate at lunch time in the bar, which was almost deserted, so no real "atmosphere", but I value peace and quiet so tis was ideal. We could chat away to our heart's content without struggling to hear the replies. The food seemed to take a long time to arrive considering how quiet it was, but when it arrived, it was a case of worth waiting for (freshly prepared food is much nicer). My salmon toastie was delicious, every mouthful a treat, and my friend's brie meal was similarly appreciated. I could have eaten twice the amount! There was not a lot of toast with it, so I did not feel full at the end, but I didn't feel hungry for ages afterwards, so a larger portion was probably about greed rather than nourishment. I would definitely go back there again.

A nice Christmas catch up with friends and the ambience is great for chattjng. We all went for the lamb burger which was soooo good. Mango and mint dip seemed odd but was amazing. Along with crispy fries I mayjust be back for the whole thing over again.

I had the most beautiful meal here with two friends just before the Cliff concert. I had reserved a table but we were shown through to the restaurant but it was the cafe bar menu. It was very select and a few choices of starter, main course and sweet. Soup was delicious and my goats cheese starter was tasty.My friend had two starters and two of us had roast pork with mashed potatoes and butternut squash which was presented like a dish on Masterchef. There was some confusion over what sweets were available but we each had raspberry cheesecake. I was expecting a small, delicate portion but image a sweetaholics delight when huge wedges of delicious pudding were placed before us. Tea and coffees again were tastefully presented, service was superb and the whole ambience was first class. I would thoroughly recommend it as it takes all the pressure out of that pre theatre meal and I am convinced we would have paid much more than £19 per person for anything similar in such civilised surroundings. Can't wait to return. And Cliff was good too......,

Lots of better places to eat near the Bridgewater Hall and the convenience of being on site did not compensate for the lacklustre food, small portions and slow service. Will be trying somewhere else next time.

A quite, comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Not rushed by the waitress who provided excellent service. We opted for a seafood main course with duchess potato and florets of broccoli. It was perfectly presented and so very tasty. The fish was flaked into it and the prawns enlightened the taste buds. For desert we had the cheeseboard and it did not disappoint with a great, varied, selection of cheeses. An aromatic, quality Merlot also. Highly recommended.

We always use the the Stalls cafe bar when we are going to a concert.The service is very good ,efficient, and friendly.You have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your meal.The food is of an excellent standard and very reasonably priced.A good tip is to arrive early ie around 5-30 - 6.00 this allows plenty of time and you also have the best choice of tables, try getting one near the window.

The Bridgewater hall have a series of free concerts on some fridays in the hall foyer . A great place to listen to these ( with restricted view ) is the stalls cafe . Wide range of music and well know musicians playing for an hour from 12.30 . My only issue is that the catering staff know its on for an hour so why move all the cups and saucers into a plastic box , making a load of noise , when there is 10 minutes of concert left - in view of the venue they should know better !Today was not the first time its happened - good food and drink and wide variety of music spoiled by inconsiderate employees . I still recommend the free concerts !

After a lunchtime concert our party of four have had a very enjoyable meal each with wine, desserts and coffee. The food was tasty and is good value for money.

Bought tickets for a concert a couple of days hence, then decided to try lunch. Pleasantly surprised by how good and reasonably priced. The chicken burger (with salad and fries) was tasty and filling; the prawn with dill sandwich was good too. Service was great. The place was very calm and quiet - no lunchtime concert this day - so felt very civilised. Recommended.

I met a friend here for lunch in December. The menu choice was limited, the food was bland and pretty tasteless. The space where the cafe is located should be really attractive but instead seems somewhat bleak. Disappointing and not to be repeated.

Pre show Dinner was not good - last year was excellent but 2014/5 was a great disappointment.Starter not good - soup fine - main course COLD - creme brûlée very poor. Altogether a bad way to see off the old year.Will not go again.

I have eaten here with friends and family before a show and I have never been disappointed. The menu is not long ( a good sign I always think), but what there is is top class, fresh, well- prepared, flavoursome and a pleasure to eat. The staff are so attentive and helpful, the surroundings are really pleasant and the price is surprisingly reasonable for what I think is a top notch doing experience. You need to book in advance at the same time you book for the performance, and you can even book the car park at a reduced rate; the whole evening is organised for you, a real treat and much appreciated.

Always a pleasure to quaff a few shorts here - before, during and after a concert !The staff have always been most helpful - even those whom one has not come across before.Familiar faces amongst said staff are always pleased to serve us and us to see them.The choice of beers be very limited here. Not a problem for Moi - having only ever partaken of 'shorts'.The choice of wines would appear to be most reasonable.The choice of spirits be the best amongst such bars in such venues in this town.Tables and chairs are provided, but, probably not enough.Hot food be purveyed from a hot plate situated against the windows towards the back of this space. Have tried their Pizza offering several times - it was fine each time.This bar makes a visit to this venue all that more satisfying - cheers !

Had a quick drink in the bar before the show, service was quick and friendly. The hall is brilliant for the seating and sound.

Security staff a bit heavy handed, but management very good. Excellent venue for music (Russell Watson) would definitely visit again

Lovely staff who work really hard to get everyones meals out in time before the concert. A sell out so they were really busy. Realy nice and light prawn starter and a goats chees and potato main - although not sure about the polenta cake. My husband really liked the cheescake for pudding and i had the cheese board with banana bread! We had a good view out through the large atrium glass wall onto a town centre night scene - the canal and neighbouring buildings. They also serve good bottled beer - a Deuchars, a blessing when draft is not available.

We visited the Bridgewater in December and. had a light snack as we had arrived early. It was pleasant to sit and take in the atmosphere in anticipation of our concert. decided to then have a glass of wine. all in all quite pleasant.

We love Bridgewater Hall as a venue. However, the food choice at the stalls bar is poor. Not enough choice and not great quality. We have eaten in the restaurant there and had good food and service, but the bar food is not of the same standard at all.

A few work colleagues and I went for drinks/lunch on Weds around 1pm. The trouble with this place is it is out of the way, so unless you know about it, you do not go, which is a shame as the ambiance, service and food are first class. The salmon and crab fishcakes came with wilted greens and lovely fat chips. Various other meals were chicken caesar which was full to the brim of the bowl, jacket potatoes with various fillings and a vegetarian option which was declared 'scrummy'.Full table service is the norm, no standing at the bar with a number, and the wait staff were very friendly, attentive but not overly so, and efficient.If you find this hidden gem give it a try. Only open at lunch times mon to fri due to pre concert dining in the evenings and with occasional free concerts at 1pm, it is worth the trip away from the shopping area.

The staff really do take care of you. The food is O.K. but not fantastic. It's about the price I would expect to pay - the sticky toffee pudding was the best course... Surprisingly, the wine was reasonably priced. Recommended before a concert.

Lovely place to eat before a performance. The staff were very attentive and the tables cleared as soon as people vacated them. Will remember to eat here in future quite reasonable priced and atmosphere was lovely.

We booked in for a pre-concert meal here. The surroundings are nice enough, but I was disappointed to find out that there was no 2 or 3 course fixed price menu, as there is in the Charles Halle Room next door. As we were hungry and wanted a full meal, this meant that we ended up spending well over £30 each including drinks, which I think was far too much for the quality of the food, which was frankly average although nicely presented. Service was variable - most of the time, it was ok but we were ignored for ages just as we were trying to pay and go to our seats, which was irritating.I realise that you are paying just as much for the location as the food, but it still felt like a bit of a rip-off. The problem with these in-house places is that because catering is not their main raison d'etre, the food quality is often not that good. It was the same with the restaurant in the Royal Exchange.Overall I wouldn't recommend it, although there is obviously the convenience factor to consider, and it was ok - I mean, it wasn't worth the money, but the food was at least edible. Too much emphasis on presentation and not enough on taste, in my opinion.

Good quality, but way over-priced, especially the drinks. Nice pleasant, modern surroundings See main visit review

went for my lunch and must say what a find great british food at its best kippers on the menu winter berry crumble for my pud if you like good honest food this is a must try prices are fantastic . service is good .

Very impressed by a visit to the Bridgewater for a light lunch. The menu was varied and inviting, in fact it was hard to choose! The food was made from fresh ingredients and presented well. The service was good and the prices seemed very reasonable, especially for such good quality food. Pre-Christmas, here was a quietly busy, relaxing restaurant - will definitely go again.

i was really enjoyed my lunch so had to take to trip advisor ploughmans lunch was great and my friend had camembert cheese we coould see it was all homemade i will be back .

Nipped out of a conference for a sustaining swifty and stumbled across this little gem. Light airy bar, quick table service, fountains outside the huge window I would hate to have to clean and loved up couples, friends and colleagues enjoying great free jazz played by a talented trio. Don't we all want to stumble across Life's happy memories

I don't understand why I have never seen any advertisements for this restaurant. I visited here with a couple of friends last week and I have to say I was really surprised at how quiet it was with food this good!I had never even thought about about coming here for food, but my friend suggested it, and I will definitely be back and I will spread the word!My friend has been quite a few times before, but says it has got so much better in recent months. Have they changed the chef?The white chocolate and raspberry tart was to die for.

Brought some friends here who were visiting from NZ. Had heard about the new menu and was not disappointed at all. Quite the best lunch I had had in Manchester for a long time.Fresh tasty food, well presented with a 'to die for' warm chocolate brownie topping off the meal.Attentive, pleasant staff made for an enjoyable visit in lovely surroundings. Pity more people don't know about this hidden gem.

I don't understand why more people don't know about this lunch time restaurant. The food is really first class and the setting is terrific. The new menu is really interesting and the chef producing great result for prices that are very modest.

Had quite a few lunch dates here with my partner and I wasn't expecting much to be honest, but the service was quite fast and friendly and the food was well priced and looked as good as it tasted.It's now becoming a regular haunt, it's that good!