CityLife

Verso

Verso

Verso
West Didsbury
March 2010

Overall: 3/5

Just over one year old, Verso in West Didsbury is a smart, well-run operation towards the Withington end of Burton Road that captures a more laid back crowd than the likes of One Lounge and M20.

Unlike its competitors, Verso is less about music and attitude; and more about value-for-money drinks and good quality food. Roadside decking, tables and plants gives the bar huge appeal in the summer months.

Inside is rather lacking in character with rigid wooden tables and minimal decor (black leather button-backed walls, mirrors and strip lighting).

However, aesthetics aside, Verso has a lot to offer. The staff are friendly and well-informed, the food (e.g. fish and chips, sirloin steak, £5 pizzas) is highly recommended and a premium selection of spirits are the basis for classic and bespoke cocktails, which are two for one up to 9pm every day of the week.

The large variety of beer is another major coup. There are around 12 bottled ales and five bottled ciders as well as Guinness, Becks Vier, Peroni, Staropramen and Stowford Press on draught. Some of the rarer choices are Innis & Gunn oak-aged beer, Kasteel Cru, Crabbie’s ginger ale and Westons Organic Cider.

One to catch: Verso’s charity quiz night on Thursday to raise money for Haiti. It is £15 for entry which includes a drink on arrival, hot pot dinner and prizes.

Verso, 110 Burton Rd, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 1LP (0161 438 6633).