This award-winning West Didsbury bar-restaurant is owned by Luke Cowdrey and Justin Crawford, also known as DJs the Unabombers. Volta has a chic yet insouciant vibe, courtesy of its bustling outdoor terrace, woody bistro-style interior, pewter tankards as cutlery holders and an eclectic but not dominant soundtrack. The globetrotting choice of small plates ranges from Spanish charcuterie, Iberian hams and European cheeses to smoky lamb chops – expertly grilled with Lebanese spices – or tender cod cheeks in a warming coconut, lemongrass and ginger sauce. Our crispy lamb shawarma, slow-cooked with fiery harissa, yoghurt and coriander, was a joy. Vegetable dishes didn’t disappoint either: whether spring greens tossed with crème fraîche and Cambodian pepper, or salty smoked feta with beetroot, hazelnut and dill mopped up with Trove sourdough. Indulgent brunches and rare-breed roasts are provided at weekends, and it pays to investigate the inventive cocktails and confident wine list. A neighbourhood gem.