A Northern Quarter nook with cool, industrialism on its side, I headed down to Tariff & Dale find out whether this raw new addition to the NQ could hold up with the areas neat standards and hipster hankerings.
The Venue
As you pass the threshold, you immediately notice the age-old artefacts hidden about the place and an age-old smoky smell. Put together to evoke an invented story of industrial-familial heritage, there is a rusty old piece of machinery at the entrance, and family photos in wired cabinets. The venue is much larger than you first expect. The bright, bar area immediately greets you, but a swift turn down the stairs reveals a dining area, complete with high tables, booths and more relaxed bench-style dining. There's even a converted lift shaft seating area for your quirky pleasure.
Gruff industrialism makes up the notes of this grand venue in the Northern Quarter.
The Atmosphere and Clientele
There was a tangible after-work buzz on the Thursday evening that we attended. With a subtle fragrance in the air and several crisply dressed professionals holding their well-deserved pint, the atmosphere was upbeat yet relaxed. The music was loud though, and could be felt through the floorboards – the perfect way to release some tension after a hard day at work. Whilst dining we were left to enjoy our meals at our leisure, with softer music playing and a pizza oven sending over those wonderfully gluttonous smells of charcoal and melted cheese.
Oak notes and a friendly service give Tariff & Dale a welcoming edge.
The Food and Drink
Tariff and Dale’s menu is just large enough to give you what you want without drowning you in too many options. My companion jumped at the chance of ordering a coffee flavoured gin and tonic, the experimentalist special cocktail of the evening, whereas I opted for the slightly more orthodox, fresh Peach Bellini with sweet notes and a spirit-ed kick. Not amped up on the cocktail antics, even though we were? Their Beavertown (Neck Oil: £4.20) beer selection showed a nice, yet neat selection of craft to boot.
Picky eaters can make their own sharing board with a selection of cured meats, pickles, bread, cheeses and antipasti. Or, there is a selection of small or large plates that you can order in any combination you please. We kept it simple and ordered some melt-in-your-mouth nocerella olives to nibble on as we waiting for our main courses of a sharing board (3 items for £12) and hearty Lamb Rump with Roasted Aubergine. Rustic, to echo the interiors, the food wasn't out of this world, but a humble warming touch it did have.
Try the Peach Bellini for a sweet cocktail treat.
Summary
While not a sock knocking off affair, there's a cool attitude to Tariff & Dale that gives it firm footing in the Northern Quarter. A nifty atmosphere with proud experimental cocktails, cleverly thought out interiors and sweet sharing boards to boot, i'll be heading back for a pre-night out nibble, no doubt about that.
