Oklahoma Cafe & Gift Shop - A Review

In the Northern Quarter, a few minutes walk from Shudehill tram station, stands a large red brick building. Half Corinthian columns and elaborate capitals decorated with acanthus leaves and scrolls support large arched windows, illuminated in a warm inviting and comforting hue against the backdrop of the usual cold and greyness of the Manchester climate.

Push open the tall wooden doors and enter an Aladdin's Cave of the weird, the wonderful and the kitsch.

Welcome to the Oklahoma Cafe and Gift Shop.
 

To explain the wonders, the nonpareil of the randomness of the gift shop? You need to indulge in reminiscence for a moment and take yourself back to childhood. If you regressed enough to the late 70's/mid 80's do you remember all those 'pocket money' toys, trinkets and sweets you bought? Well, many of them are to be found along the winding aisles of the gift shop, sitting amongst ceramics, textiles, humorous greeting cards, postcards, handmade stationary, jewellery and much more.


Follow the wall of art house/cult DVD rentals and you will find yourself in the cafe. There is no correlation between the furniture and the breakfast bar is very 1950s-esque, enhanced with ornate parasols. The patronage of the cafe is an eclectic gathering. Very Boho-chic. The menu is 99% vegetarian/vegan (I did spot a chorizo salami, parsley and mozzarella toastie), organic and Fair trade.



My recommendations for lunch or just a comforting drink? Well, if you want a change from the usual coffee and breakfast tea, I give you:

A hot London Fog.....earl grey tea, frothy milk & vanilla syrup @ £2.00
or a refreshing Moroccan mint tea @ £1.60/£1.80
or a detoxing Festival Smoothie....mango, pineapple, honey & lime with coconut milk @ £3.00/£3.70

For a light lunch...the Chorizo Salami, Parsley and Mozzarella Toastie @ £3.20
or skip the savoury and hit the Chocolate Orange Cheesecake @ £2.00 a slab

So, my friends, why am I habitué of Oklahoma? It is a place to relax. A place to find a bit of solace when you're all 'shopped out', a place to peruse the daily newspapers, a place to watch the world go by, a place to lose an hour. I can eat.

Many people who I have introduced to the Oklahoma never leave empty handed or disappointed. If you want a change from the usual high street chains when you're looking for a spot of lunch or a relaxing beverage, then go independent, go down to the Oklahoma.

74-76 High Street,
Manchester,
M4 1ES
(0161) 834 1136

Link: viewmanchester.co.uk


Love, peace and freedom people