REVIEW | The Drop | Chorlton

CHORLTON's Barlow Moor Road is going from strength to strength. What used to be an aggregation of wilted food holes is fast becoming a vibrant strip of exciting new restaurants and bars, all fighting for supremacy in the quest to satisfy our appetites.

It hit the spot in every way a spot can be hit

We've said this before, but we continue to bang on about Manchester's poor selection of Caribbean offerings. The recent arrival of Turtle Bay in the city centre, however, got the ball rolling. Now, giving Jerk Junction a run for its money, is The Drop; run by trained barrister Ez Saunders, son of Kool Runnings owner Aval Saunders, and mulitalented rapper-chef James Gill. The result? A vivacious, eco-friendly and highly bonafide Caribbean venue. 

The Drop on Barlow Moor Road

On venturing in on a Tuesday night, there wasn't a single table free, save our reserved spot. With loud beats blaring, smoke drifting from the kitchen and plenty of general hubbub it was distinctly chaotic... but it worked. Ruth managed Front of House with good-natured advice, steering us in the right direction of what to order, whilst Gill emerged from time to time with boards of steaming island goodness. 

Menu-wise it's classic Caribbean dishes, spiced occasionally with Gill's contemporary twists. The Jerk Chicken (£6.95) comes as a generous portion, traditionally consumed with fingers before sucking the bone dry (though cutlery is also provided for the more prudish amongst us). The skin is doused in a sweet, sticky marinade of herbs, all-spice and a touch of scotch bonnet whilst the flame-grilled flesh, tender and plentiful, literally slid of the bone. The meal is served in a simple straw boat, dressed with strips of sweet mango and a sprig of thyme. In all, it hit the spot in every way a spot can be hit.

Jerk chicken (£6.95)

Along with this we simply had to order the curried goat (£7.45), being as it is one of the best-known dishes of Jamaican cuisine. It was traditionally sapid, as you'd expect, with the meat slow cooked and tenderised to melt away on the tongue. Modern additions of fruity mango yoghurt, pomegranate and fragrant coriander added freshness, cutting through the rich and velvety spirit of the stew. I shall forever be envious of West Indians who grew up with this childhood staple; I made do with fish fingers, chips and beans.

We went unashamedly overboard with the sides and choose coconut rice, cayenne and paprika sweet potato wedges, three-way slaw and fried dumplings (all £3.00). The coconut rice with kidney beans was sweet and aromatic, whilst the sweet potato wedges, dusted with just the right amount of spice, were crisp to the skin and delicately fluffy in the middle; something so many kitchens fall short of achieving. The fried dumplings, meanwhile, were perhaps a little ill-matched with the jerk chicken yet consummately supplemented the stew. Best of all was the three-way slaw; showcasing the classic white cabbage and carrot, fruity red cabbage with sultanas and 'super veg' salad perfectly.

Paprika sweet potato wedges and three-way slaw

Desserts are more Chorlton than Caribbean but were tasty nonetheless: the chocolate brownie was moist and robust, with a sweet compote and vanilla ice cream. Caramelised banana also slipped down well, although ultimately I'd like to see more traditional puds on offer; perhaps cornmeal pone or something of equal challenge. Breakfast options are similarly safe, although admittedly very tempting. Sunday roasts include the 'Reggae Roast' (£9.95) and 'Rasta Roast' (£8.95) whilst various takeaway options are available until 6pm.

caramelised banana

Though we couldn't resist washing down our feeds with two pints of Red Stripe, a highly traditional Jamaican beverage, the drinks menu is a fine one. Expect good ciders and draft ales, a vast array of spirits and a more than hospitable selection of cocktails, wine and bubbles. I hasten to add that I shall be returning to try one (or perhaps seven) of the seven infused rums on offer. 

So, to round off, the food is good here. The kitchen, though small, boasts a great team, the dishes work well and are created with an obvious passion for quality. I can only see this place gaining more momentum and becoming increasingly popular as the word continues to spread. Alas, now to plan my next trip back for surf waved waffles and rum. 

You can follow Lottie Moore on Twitter @lottiemoore 

Rating: 14/20 

Food: 7/10 (Jerk chicken 8, curry goat 7, paprika sweet potato wedges 7, coconut rice and three way slaw 6, caramelised banana 6 )

Service: 4/5

Ambience: 3/5

The Drop