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Odd Pals, which also serves up a variety of dishes at its base in Wellington Market, has opened up a second premises at the Telford & Wrekin Council-owned ice rink thanks to support from the Council’s Pride in Our High Street programme.

Experienced chef Matt Palin and Vee Odrakiewicz opened their street food stall at the market in May 2023 after working in other kitchens and hospitality venues.

Over the last two years, Odd Pals has become an extremely popular addition to the historic venue - offering a menu inspired by street food around the world but with ingredients mostly sourced from within the market.

Based in the market’s food court, Odd Pals dishes range from Philly cheese steaks and katsu curries to Asian grills and a different take on gammon, egg and chips.

Matt and Vee were supported initially to set-up in the market after receiving a Pride in Our High Street business start-up grant.

Now the pair are looking forward to expanding their business by opening the cafe at Telford Ice Rink where they plan to offer a menu to cater for the ice rink clients and 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.

“We’ve built up a loyal, regular customer base at the market but look forward to attracting some familiar faces and new customers to the ice rink.

“Hopefully, there’s something on our varied menu that will whet people’s appetite before or after their ice skating sessions.”

Councillor Ollie Vickers, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for the Economy and Transport, said:

“Odd Pals has gained an excellent reputation at Wellington Market and it’s 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.

“This is a prime example of how the Pride in Our High Street programme can help turn initial business ideas or proposals into reality and help businesses to grow, flourish and open up in additional premises.”

Councillor Angela McClements, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism, Culture and the Arts, said:

“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.

“We wish Matt and Vee all the best with their business venture and are sure that their menu will be popular with skaters and visitors to the ice rink throughout the year.”

You can find out more about the Pride in Our High Street programme here: Telford & Wrekin Council | Pride in our high street

Or find out more about Telford Ice Rink here: Telford Ice Rink