Odd Pals opens second café
A venture that started at Wellington Market is now expanding its reach, bringing its unique street food expertise to a new café at Telford Ice Rink. Odd Pals, which has built a strong following, has successfully opened a second location at the popular leisure facility.
The expansion to the Telford & Wrekin Council-owned venue was made possible with support from the Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme.
Experienced chef Matt Palin and Vee Odrakiewicz initially opened their street food stall in the market’s food court in May 2023.
The stall quickly became a popular fixture, offering a menu inspired by international street food but predominantly using ingredients sourced from within the market itself.
Odd Pals dishes range from Philly cheese steaks and katsu curries to Asian grills and a different take on gammon, egg and chips.
The initial set-up was supported by a Pride in Our High Street business grant. Now, the pair are looking forward to catering for the ice rink’s diverse clientele, including ice hockey supporters and teams.
Matt said: “We’re really pleased with how things have gone over the past two years at Wellington Market and due to our success, we’re delighted to open a second outlet at the ice rink.
“We’re really grateful to the support we’ve received from Telford & Wrekin Council, to help us set up our business initially and now with this latest move, and we couldn’t have done this without that support.”
He added that they look forward to attracting new customers alongside their established, regular customer base.
Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy and Transport, said the business has gained “an excellent reputation” at the market.
He added that it is “pleasing to see that a business which has become so popular in such a short space of time is able to expand by venturing into Telford Town Centre.”
Councillor Angela McClements, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture and the Arts, also welcomed the move.
“Telford Ice Rink is an all year round venue which attracts visitors from across the UK and further-a-field so we’re delighted that a successful catering business in Telford and Wrekin is expanding into the venue,” she said.
