The Unabombers latest venture provides the perfect drinking spot for ex-club heads looking for something a little more sedate.

The Venue
Just down from Dulcimer on the former site of Revise, Electrik proclaims itself as a ‘publicsocialhousecafebar’. It’s the brainchild of the duo behind the Electric Chair nights, Luke and Justin Unabomber, which sadly went into permanent retirement as of last year. Perhaps it’s Luke and Justin’s desire for a homely base away from the intensity of the sweaty basements they continue to DJ in that’s drawn them to make the move from rowdy club to this far more mellow, but still appealingly lively bar.

Stripped wood, deliberately miss-matched seating and large tables dominate the décor, which is kept simple and muted for the most part. The owner’s past glories are celebrated with a large canvas of the Electric Chair logo and a collage of flyers and memorabilia from the club, while bare, retro-style light bulbs provide stylish but quite stark lighting that’s also echoed in the unique signage outside.

The terrace to the front of the venue doesn’t offer much ambience, unfortunately, as it faces onto the busy main road, and, in turn, the full-length glass doors across the front of the bar don’t provide a great view either (unless you’re particularly keen on takeaway and traffic, of course).

Electrik has an impressive (free) jukebox which shows off an eclectic range of music, from up-to-the-minute radio botherers to the more obscurely cool. Local musicians Guy Garvey (Elbow) and Jimi Goodwin (Doves) provided input on the top tunes, and you could easily spend a happy half an hour picking out a few gems. Further play lists are scheduled from the likes of Badly Drawn Boy, Martin Brew, Rob Bright, maybe even Laurent Garnier. However, the ever vocal and passionate Luke Unabomber is quick to dispel any notions that it’s a juke box just for the big guns. ‘While we will be having play lists from those sort of people, there are also selections from staff members and people who live locally.'

The People
The bar is extremely popular with the late twenties/early thirties musically-inclined set, either for a mid-week bevvie or two, or a couple of drinks before jumping on the bus into town. They pack the bar out most nights, creating a buzzing and friendly atmosphere around the place, but be warned: you’ll most likely discover that its standing room only unless you get there early to secure a table.

Staff are usually run off their feet trying to serve everyone in a timely manner, but are polite and helpful if, on occasion, a little hassled looking.

The Food
As far as hot food goes, it’s currently sausage and mash or nothing at Electrik, although you can personalise yours from the range of different sausages (Toulouse, venison, pork and sage and a couple of vegetarian options) and tasty mash (that’s mustard, herb, cabbage and onion or plain old classic). Finally, choose your gravy from the following: meat, veggie, or caramelized onion.

Ingredients are sourced locally. The spuds, for example, are from the Chorlton vegan institution that is the Unicorn. The food is described by Luke Unabomber as ‘British peasant food, proper cooking, big portions and good value.’ With dinner costing £5.50 per helping, or a meal for two including a bottle of house red or white for £20, you’d be hard pressed to argue with that assessment.

There’s also a range of cakes for afters or a quick afternoon snack, which you can enjoy with a coffee or tea.

The Drink
You’re getting a bar that wouldn’t be out of place in the Northern Quarter at Electrik and, as a result, you should expect to pay city centre prices for your drinks – you’re looking at around £3 for a pint. There’s a huge range of draught beers, as they’re a free house and not forced into selections by a brewery they have the luxury of handpicking their selections, which includes Guinness, Leffe, Hoegaarden and Thwaites, Wainwrights, Timothy Taylor Landlord, Black Sheep (as a guest), Hawkshead bitter, Warsteiner and Krombacher. The Krombacher is hand-delivered by a man who goes all the way to Germany in a van to pick up the local brew rather than the one that is sent over for export.

The cocktail menu is minimal, although the delicious Bellini (£5) is worth a try, and there’s lot of quality wines, served either by the glass or by the bottle.

The Last Word
Unfussy and unpretentious, Electrik is far from your typical local boozer and is certainly one of the best bars in the Chorlton area.

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