DESTINATION Didsbury? Look no further than award-winning and accolade-garnering Volta on Burton Road; the post-Electrik, pre-Refuge eating venue of Unabombers duo Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford. It’s got amazing outside space, a six-strong spritz menu and some lip-smacking small plates perfect for the warmer weather. Which meant we had to give them a whirl…
Setting aside our favourites – regulars, possibly even since the menu was launched, and still going strong – we said no to the Oriental-inspired sea bass with wilted pak choi and the spicy shredded lamb shawarma with fluffy homemade focaccia.
We replaced our usual fresh fig and halloumi with the smoked feta-topped and hazelnut-and-dill-sprinkled beetroot. Almost too gorgeous to eat – but we’re glad we did!
Smoked feta-topped and hazelnut-and-dill-sprinkled beetroot… almost too gorgeous to eat – but we’re glad we did!
Also veggie friendly and equally delicious was the sticky pearl barley risotto, with butternut squash, wild mushrooms and Old Winchester Gouda-style cheese.
Meat-wise, the gluten-free slow-cooked belly pork, glazed with Fentiman's ginger beer, melted in the mouth and was perfectly paired with black garlic and pear purées, a miso-based jus and a bed of kimchi. You also can’t ignore the chargrilled flat-iron steak with a tamarind and coriander glaze and homemade beef jerky, prettily topped with crispy shallots and Thai basil leaves.
The beer fed dexter beef burger cheeseburger is worth a punt – team with a pot of Volta’s tasty 50/50 sweet potato and hand-cut chips, and an expertly mixed Bloody Mary. Maybe one for the Bank Holiday?