Upbeat, cool and independent, this is the second site for the Odd group, having already been a massive success in the Northern Quarter, this one is smack bang in the middle of student-land and is also opposite the BBC (for the time being at least).

The Venue
Odder is the brand extension of Odd in the Northern Quarter and it’s bigger too - set out over two floors - in what some people (estate agents - guilty as charged) are calling the Southern Quarter. With its wooden floor, beige walls, big mirrors, bigger paintings, vases, clocks, funky wallpaper and mix’n’match furniture, it takes after its older sister in lots of ways.

If anything, though, despite its age, it’s a little more mature and cool-headed. Downstairs there are brown sofas and armchairs and semi-enclosed alcoves. The upstairs space is even cooler with its light turquoise walls, big fans, exposed tubing and booths on the left partitioned off with transparent hanging drapes.

The bar is positioned in the middle with low lamps over it and there’s a raised area near the window with low sofas and armchairs. Wednesday night is live music night and DJs bring the party vibes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday when the joint rocks till 2am.

The People
Being opposite the BBC it tends to attract a more work-a-day crowd than its trendy big (littler) sister. You’ll also find a fair share of students, post grads and tutors from the nearby Universities.

The Food and Drink
As well as the regular beers and ciders on draught and in bottles, there’s a selection of fruit beers, as well as Belgian Weiss, Abbey and Manchester’s own Ginger Marble. There are cocktails aplenty and drinks promotions like £1.50 for a JD and mixer and half-price house wine during happy hour.

On the menu there are northern staples like fish’n’chips (£4.75) and Grandma’s Odder beef stew with horseradish dumplings for £6.50. It’s good for vegetarians too with a halloumi sandwich (£5.65) and Bombay aloo for £5.65.

The Last Word
With its cool music events, inimitable decor, good-value food and well-selected drinks, Oddest continues to pack in students and locals alike.

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