When the Stock Exchange Hotel first opened its doors, it was met with a wave of excitement and anticipation. I was fortunate to be one of the early guests to attend press launches, including a special preview of Bull & Bear by Tom Kerridge.

The hotel and restaurant’s grand opening was a resounding success, with the restaurant quickly becoming a favourite dining spot. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Tom Kerridge decided to part ways, leaving a noticeable gap in the dining experience at the Stock Exchange Hotel.

In an effort to fill this gap, the renowned cocktail bar experts, Schofields, introduced a new restaurant. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to the high standards set by their bars. While Sterling, another gem within the Stock Exchange Hotel, remained a top choice for cocktails, the restaurant fell short of expectations.

Enter Niall Keating’s Tender, the latest addition to the elegant dining room at the Stock Exchange Hotel. Described as a family-style brasserie, Tender brings a fresh perspective to the culinary scene in Manchester.

Niall Keating is a highly skilled chef known for his innovative approach to cooking. His impressive background includes earning a Michelin star at Whatley Manor for his exceptional culinary talents. Keating’s dedication to using the finest seasonal ingredients and his diverse menu have earned him praise from both diners and critics alike.

With a passion for excellence and a commitment to creating memorable dining experiences, Keating has quickly become a rising star in the culinary world. I am eagerly anticipating the unique offerings he will bring to Manchester.

Despite the changes in the restaurant’s leadership, the dining room itself has maintained its opulent charm with its high ceilings and luxurious decor. While previous iterations of the restaurant may have lacked in atmosphere, the addition of live music by Leos Strings during our visit to Tender on a Sunday created a perfect ambiance.

The Sunday menu offers a choice of 2 or 3 courses at £38.50 or £48.50 respectively, with tempting snack options available before the meal. The dishes we sampled, including the rich sourdough and indulgent butter with honey, set the tone for a delightful dining experience.

The main course options, such as the vegetarian pappardelle and roast halibut, showcased Keating’s creativity and skill in the kitchen. The Sunday Feast option, featuring a variety of roast meats, was a standout choice for a Sunday meal.

The desserts, including the delightful jam-cinnaroll and the visually appealing Chocolate Delice, were a sweet conclusion to a satisfying meal. With drinks and extras included, the overall dining experience at Tender came to just under £90 per person.

I left Tender impressed by the flavors on the plates and excited to see how the brasserie menu evolves under Keating’s guidance. Tender has proven to be a worthy successor to Bull & Bear, and I highly recommend giving it a try.