Odessa, on Exchange Street, has been serving freshly made produce to generations of townspeople over the years and is now in the running to be named as the best in the borough.
For owner Alex McVey the café’s warm relationship with its customers has been key to its success for all that time.
He said: “I think we’ve got a lot of community spirit here.
“We’re very traditional, you might even say old fashioned, we try and keep things going as they are, and we don’t like too many changes.”
The area around Odessa has seen many changes over the years, with one of the most dramatic developments over recent times being the planned demolition of Crompton Place.
The café has now been left as the last business on Exchange Street and Mr McVey says they plan to endure by using the very same tried and tested technique as before.
Mr McVey said that amongst the café’s extensive menu two of the most popular choices are hot beef with onion and mushroom sandwiches and tandoori chicken sandwiches.
But whatever people choose, he says be can rest assured they will be as fresh as can be.
(Image: NQ)
Mr McVey said: “Freshness is key, every morning we’re up at 5am making sure that all our produce is fresh.
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“Obviously we could prepare things the night before and sometimes that can be quite tempting but then it wouldn’t be fresh, would it?
“So, we’ll stick to our guns on that I think!”
Odessa was featured in The Bolton News’ top ten sandwich shops after readers helped narrow down the choices from all over the borough.
Voting slips, which readers can fill in to vote for their favourite, will be in the paper until Monday, March 31.
The winner will be announced shortly after voting close.
Don’t forget to pick up a copy of today’s paper to vote.
