15 October 2009

Lisa Higginson

Odd - “differing in nature from what is ordinary, usual or expectedâ€?. That is the definition, according to our pocket-sized Oxford friend, of the three letter word that has bore a trio of bars in Manchester. Bizarre, eccentric, extraordinary were more adjectives that popped up during a search into the word’s meaning – all of which aptly go a long way in describing the very nature of the fantastic Odd Bar brand.

Opening in the Northern Quarter four years ago, Odd was the dream of Cleo Farman, who wanted to create a bar that reflected her passion for culture, travel and quirky charm. Proving unequivocally popular with the boho chic crowd that move and shake in this corner of the city, Cleo later took her off-the-wall formula to Oxford Road and opened Odder, to equal acclaim.

The oddities have now spread to suburbia, with the latest of the weird and wonderful watering holes opening its doors in Chorlton. Oddest, which launched in July, has settled in comfortably among the quirkily cool hang outs that occupy Wilbraham Road. True to style, Oddest is an Aladdin’s cave of internationally sourced stylish gems and imaginative décor. An eye-catching wall pays tribute to the lesser-spotted cassette tape, a cosy corner is drenched in soft lighting provided by a stunning cluster of Moroccan ceiling lamps and loud - yet stylish – patterns adorn the walls.

As well as bringing the distinctive décor to its Chorlton cousin, the Odd team has also brought along its melting pot menu of bar food that has gone down well at the city centre venues. The famous Doorstop sandwiches can be found here, along with sharing boards that feature meats, cheeses, fish and breads, a hearty breakfast menu and Sunday roasts. The menu also puts emphasis on serving locally sourced ingredients, free range products and making the food “from scratchâ€?, which is sure to make it easy to swallow with the Chorlton crowds.

Sat in one of the comfortable booths, I opted for the Warm chicken and chorizo salad (£6.25). A large bowl arrived heaped with pieces of good tasting chicken and peppery chorizo atop a generous helping of mixed leaves, herbs and marinated olives. A homemade red pesto dressed the salad, beautifully delivering a sweet lift to the leaves without the oily aftermath that often occurs with many pesto dressings. My only gripe would be with the style of chorizo; thin salami-style slices as opposed to the hunks of meaty sausage that I was hankering for.

No visit to an Odd bar would be complete without sampling their famous Sweet potato chips (£2.95). Thick wedges of the sweet root arrive perfectly cooked; the skins being crispy and slightly caramelised, while the flesh is soft inside. Finished with a spicy dusting and served with sour cream, this is comfort food of notable proportions.

Across the table, my companion had her teeth locked into the Baa-Burger (£7.85), while trying to remain as lady-like as was possible. The homemade lamb burger was topped with grilled goats cheese, redcurrant and rosemary jelly and rocket and came inside a rosemary focaccia. To me, it felt there was a lot going on for a burger, but after fighting my friend for a bite, I found the combination worked well; the jelly drawing out the sweetness of the meat, while the goats cheese delivered a welcome tang. It was served alongside a crunchy red cabbage coleslaw and golden potato wedges.

Oddest also has a great selection of locally brewed, European and world beers and ciders as well as a small list of good value wines. And with its well delivered menu and creative interior to boot, I would say the latest Odd offspring ticks all the boxes!

Oddest, 414-416 Wilbraham Road, Chorlton, Manchester, M21 OSD
T: 0161 860 7515
W: www.oddbar.co.uk