Didsbury dwellers go MAD for creative cocktails at Chalk Bar relaunch

Stylish, modern and creative is the theme running through the new cocktail and food menus at Chalk, along with a new look interior to offer a more casual drinking and dining experience.

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. East Didsbury is the West’s less cool, but rowdier and sunnier neighbour, and that’s fine. East Didsbury is home to a lot of traditional boozers and, of course, Chalk, that glossy sun trap on the main road.

Independent hospitality group MAD, who own the likes of The Fitzgerald, Rosylee and Hula in the Northern Quarter, have bought Chalk and are pushing it in a more cocktail-led direction.

It wouldn’t have been top of my list for cocktails, but having made my way though their Twisted Classics menu –  a mixture of long and short favourites offering creative twists on contemporary classics – I can confirm that these aren’t sugary, paint-thinner based offerings, but incredibly well thought out and well executed creations.

Highlights include their Acai Cosmopolitan (Absolut Berri Acai, cranberry, triple sec and lime juice), Singapore Sunset (gin, Cherry Heering, Grand Marnier, Dom Benedictine, pineapple juice, lime juice, blood orange) and the Siberian Margarita (El Jimador, blue curacao, lime juice).

Coming in at the £7.50 – £8.00 mark means these are incredibly reasonable and tasty ways to start the night. For something more exotic, head over to their Chalk Concoctions which are made to share and come served in style.

For the growing number of prosecco fans, there are more modern twists on classics. The Rhubarb Royale mixes Portobello Road gin with rhubarb, rosehip and vanilla foam.  Pornstar Martini fans will love the pair of Absolut Pornstars – two Pornstar Martinis served with a mini bottle of prosecco on the side to share.

The food menu has been refreshed, too, with new skewers, grills and lighter summery dishes the stars of the show and tthere’s a lunch and early evening set menu so you can enjoy the most popular dishes at 2 courses for £11.95 and 3 courses for £14.95.

MAD director Jonathan Hawkins says: “We have introduced a really exciting new cocktail menu to complement the rest of the food and drink offering, and allow customers to enjoy great drinks in a stylish, yet relaxed environment. Chalk is about original cocktails, good quality food and a great atmosphere.”

You know what? He’s right. MAD have chalked up another success.

784 -788 Wilmslow Rd, Manchester M20 2DR