Review: Well Travelled Food for Winter at Volta Eaterie & Bar, West Didsbury

It’s that time of year again. The temperature is dropping and there’s fairy lights twinkling in your peripheral vision. West Didsbury is saturated with folk donning bobby hats and Parker coats. Independent terrace stores preparing for Christmas shoppers and bars erecting awnings for those stubborn outside drinkers/smokers. No better time of year to cosy up in a relaxed bar with the windows steamed up.

“It’s about down to earth,
social, family-style dining…”

Located opposite that obvious craft ale shop on Burton Road, Volta is an independently owned neighbourhood restaurant and bar.

Volta is from the team behind Chorlton’s award-winning bar, Electrik, and is inspired by the owners’ (Manchester DJ duo the Unabombers) gastronomic adventures around the world.

Desperate for us to sample their new winter menu, they invited us in for a ‘relaxed and really good nose-bag’.

Avoiding all temptation to nip into Folk bar next door for a cheeky pint, we grabbed a menu, gendered at the chalk board of specials and sat at a 80’s school classroom table and chairs.

It’s a continental affair. Wonderfully well travelled options, antique features, reclaimed wood and an alluring atmosphere. Laid-back and a diverse mix, Volta is amorous come sundown, not only making it dapper for any deluxe date night, but a cosy and intimate drink once the working day is over.

The meal starts in full bodied fashion with a glass of Malbec. It’s subtle oaky flavours prepare our palette for the hangar steak we’ve already eagerly eyed-up.

Most apparent to Volta’s food menu are its small plates. Tapas-sized portions of rich flavours to casually share and digest between taking your time with the excellent drinks menu.

What makes this place special is meticulously sourced ingredients being central to an informal but high quality food offer. It’s about down to earth, social, family-style dining and drinking inspired by the European ‘no-fuss’ and ‘take-your-time’ approach to great eating and drinking.

Beautiful troves of fresh sourdough and contrasting curves of cold butter, splendid.

A favourite Cosmo pick of padron peppers (£4) and chorizo, pequillo peppers (£5) – an eclectic kick.

Safe concoctions (unless you have a dairy allergy) of gnocchi with tomato sauce and parmesan (£4), is unfussy and excellent.

Now for the anticipated hanger steak (£13.50). A world-class slab cooked rare (both preferred and recommended) served with 50/50 fries (half potato, half sweet-potato for £3.50) – flavoursome, sinewy.

Volta is a high quality but down-to-earth, neighbourhood retreat for anyone who enjoys fine food and drink – just go as you are. Apparently they do a beautiful Sunday roast, too.

Contact & Book

167 Burton Road, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2LN

0161 448 8887

[email protected]

voltafoodanddrink.co.uk

@voltamanchester