Stow - Launch

One of our favourite methods of cooking, is over open fire.  It's an almost primitive instinct to enjoy watching a piece of protein being slowly kissed by flames, until it's sizzling, golden brown and delicious. 

Humans have cooked that way since we walked the earth, and as much as more modern techniques always come around, you just can't beat the classics.  So we were excited to hear that an open fire driven kitchen was about to drop in the city centre.  That new venue is Stow, situated on Bridge Street.

As part of the press run up campaign, the team were invited down to check things out ahead of the public opening, and when a venue is headed up by the team who brought us Trof and The Trading Route, it's difficult not to have high expectations. 

The bar area which greets you upon entry is lovely, and a massive upgrade from the former Juicebox's décor.  Then when your table is ready you're led into the back to take your place at either a proper table, or the kitchen counter for those who are a bit more nosey about how their experience takes place.  It's immediately clear that a lot of love has gone into making Stow a lovely place to spend a couple of hours.

Food wise, as mentioned, everything is cooked over open fire via the grill or a Gosney wood fired pizza oven.  And the results are spectacular.  On the evening we were treated to;

Small Plates -
• Milk Bread w/ burnt onion butter
• Pork and Fennel Sausage
• Citrus Cured Mackerel
• Lamb Belly Skewers
• Borlotti Beans

Large Plates & Sides -
• Ex Dairy Rib Eye
• Monkfish Tail with trout roe beurre blanc
• La Ratte Potatoes
• Roasted Crown Prince Squash
• Citrus Dressed Vegetables

Sweets -
• Dark Chocolate Cremeux
• Quince Ice Cream and Cora Lynn
• Smoked Cream Tart

Stars of the evening were the lamb skewers, monkfish, and smoked tart, all showcasing that open fire cooking, with the outcoming being huge flavours. The tart in particular is one of the most interesting things which we've eaten in the city all year! 

It's very early days, but for me Stow is a new must-visit venue in the city centre.   Doors opened to the general public on Friday November 22nd, so book your table now and prepare to be impressed.

** Our experience was gratefully comped **