Since humble beginnings on Manchester’s Oxford Road, vodka infused bar chain Revolution has become a tried and tested weekend hotspot for masses of party-goers. But the Cavern Quarter venue’s recent £200,000 refit has brought a change in the air, apparent upon opening the doors; stylish decor and kitsch mismatch furnishing make for a Cinderella-esque transformation into an attractive looking dining establishment.
To start, there is a small selection of ‘while you wait’ options, all reasonably priced at £2.50. I go for the fun factor: gourmet cheesy popcorn, which arrives in a porcelain mug, adding a certain novelty to the nibbles. My more sophisticated dining partner orders thyme marinated olives, which I’m happy to sample with their appetising chunky appearance; they burst with flavour and juiciness.
Onto the mains and you’ll be glad of those nibbles. That isn’t a comment on the service, which is excellent, but for how long it may take to look through all the choices of mains. If you’re in the mood for carnivorous indulgence, then you’re in for a treat. ‘The Dirty Dog’ combines a Bratwurst sausage and chipotle pulled pork (£7.95) whilst ‘The Vodka Burger’ (£9.95), topped with vodka salsa sauce plays on Revolution’s alcohol based origin.
I go for arguably the most indulgent main – the almost arrogantly titled ‘Bourbon Bad Boy’ with a description to match: ‘double beef burger basted in bourbon chipotle sauce stacked with bacon, American cheese, vine tomatoes and onion rings’. It arrives as an impressive monument with multiple layers, but the intense flavours reward getting a little messy.
For those herbivores amongst you, like my dining partner, there is a surprising variety of vegetarian options. Particular highlights are Goat’s Cheese & Roquito Pepper Flatbread (£7.95) and Revolution Noodles (£8.95) – ramen broth with noodles, shitake mushrooms, bok choi…. the list of oriental goodness goes on.
My dining partner orders the ‘Moroccan’ burger (£8.95) – ‘kidney bean and sweet potato coated in an oatmeal crumble and topped with tzatziki’. The combination of crunchy and soft textures are very satisfying, with contrasting tastes to match. Both of our meals come with a mug of ‘skin-on’ fries, which are a nice alternative to standard chips.
After the hearty portions there’s only one way to finish the night – cocktails. Like the mains, there is much variety on offer and after much deliberation, I try the ‘G and Tea’ – an intriguing long drink combining gin & tonic with elderflower and actual tea – whilst my dining partner orders the ‘Basil Grande’, a fruity mix of strawberries, vodka, raspberry liqueur and Cointreau, with a hint of basil. Both cocktails showcase Revolution’s specialisation as a drinks establishment, with subtleties and depth to the flavours and eye-catching presentation. It is a refreshing end to a wholly enjoyable evening.
Cavern Quarter’s Revolution more than deserves its place as a recognised establishment of good food. With its playful atmosphere and surprising choices of food and drink, it has charm to rival that of Liverpool’s vibrant independent eateries.
