-spied this place just before it opened in November of this year. The hubs and I made it a plan to…read morevisit and, for the most part, we are glad we did.
There were a few other 'beer geeks', I'm assuming, out braving the cold for fifteen minutes before Volta opened its doors at 17.00 this evening. We were, fortunately, let in a bit early and greeted warmly by the bar staff. One may either order at the bar or wait to be served at table. We opted for the former. The 'tender was both friendly and upbeat, in an American way, actually, and ordering was a charm. One is also able to pay straight away or start a tab. -so nice to have the option.
What struck me most about Volta was its design. The place has very ambient (read: dim) lighting, the kind I find so very appropriate for a lounge/pub/bar type joint. Volta seems to have benefited from an incredibly savvy interior designer as well. It's decorated in a mix of natural wood and metal furnishings. The floor appears to be polished concrete. The floor has a mix of two-top bar tables, narrow counter-like spots, group tables and window seating. Industrial-looking light fixtures hand from various points along the ceiling and I spied at least one free-standing, old-timey Hollywood spotlight. -really lent some charm to the place.
The music was a curious blend of Andrew Sisters-meets-Techno that Volta had playing just a few decibels louder than the nearly empty place warranted. It was both a bit off-putting and distracting.
The menu is comprised of things to nosh on, wines, spirits, and, although there are six tap handles at either beer station behind the bar, only two beers: an IPA and a lager. We each ordered a wee nibble and two IPAs.
My order of 'salted lard' (my translation) was ample (seemed about two tablespoons' worth) and served with lovely, warm slices of bread. I enjoyed it very much and felt it to be a good deal at 7 franks. The pair of Weisswürste mit Senf and a hefty Swiss-style (read: soft all over) Brezel--garnished with sesame seeds not salt--(13chf) went down well with the hubs.
The 3dl (just under 12 oz) glasses of IPA were fine, not fab. The usual bite I've come to associate with IPA was missing and Volta's is a more floral and less 'hop-y' brew than I'm used to. There was also a sweetness to the finish I hadn't expected. It's a well-made beer, but not what I am looking for in an IPA, unfortunately. I'm encouraged by the number of tap handles and would expect that Volta will unveil more in their beer repertoire as time goes on. A nice Porter would be much appreciated in the upcoming Winter months, am I right?
Given that this place is a stone's throw from the Novartis complex, I can well imagine Volta becoming *the* go-to spot after work. For Basel, Volta is a mini-revelation, and, I would imagine, will be leading the burgeoning brew pub scene in town.
**generous outside seating
**toilets shared w/ adjoining music venue
