Boroughs

Inside The Martlet, Rochdale Town Hall’s new restaurant with a northern twist

What a treat!

Thomas Melia - 25th September 2024

The newest restaurant in Rochdale, The Martlet, is finally here, taking up a corner of the Rochdale Town Hall, and it’s being backed by some well-known names.

The much-anticipated restaurant has a smart menu packed with classic northern dishes, sourced locally, like Jackson’s rag pudding, and bacon chop with Bury Black Pudding and Denshaw egg.

The Martlet restaurant has opened in the heart of Rochdale town centre, in the multi-million pound renovated Rochdale Town Hall, which fully opened to the public for the first time in its 150-year history back in March.

And inside the stunning space, guests aren’t just treated to tasty delights, but visual delights too, with artwork adorning the eatery’s grand walls.

The Martlet is offering everything from seafood and meat and veggie dishes, sure to go down a treat with everyone who pops in to visit.

The leading powerhouses behind this remarkable venture are renowned chef Tristan Welch and award-winning chef Darren Parkinson, who have expertly crafted the menu for the establishment taking careful consideration of its location.

Parkinson has previously worked at restaurants not too far away in Halifax including Shibden Mill and The Fleece Inn, growing up in Heywood less than 15 minutes away from where The Martlet is situated.

Eager-eyed sweet-treat lovers may notice a familiar favourite from Grandpa Greene, a local ice cream parlour based in Delph, whose soft serve delicacy will definitely be a favourite with all dining guests.

The Martlet, the new restaurant at Rochdale Town Hall — Beef wellington (Front) and Cauliflower steak (Back) at The Martlet.

There are a multitude of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink choices with standouts being the aptly-named ‘Peregrine’ whisky, named after the resident birds that have been nesting in the eye-catching clock tower since 2008.

Rochdale’s newest fine dining restaurant is named after a mythical bird, one which is featured in imagery of the town over the years and even on the borough’s coat of arms.

The Martlet holds a respectable 70 guests with its seating arrangements spread across a range of booths and tables.

A two course meal at this new food spot is £30 and those who are feeling a little more peckish can tempt their tastebuds to three courses for only £35.

The restaurant is a multifunctional space, so from 10am until 4pm on Monday to Fridays, it’s providing guests with a café luxe day-time menu and afternoon teas, which stay true to the dining destination’s northern roots.

Visitors wanting to enjoy The Martlet can come down on Friday and Saturday evenings from 27 September and will be greeted to a luxurious menu utilising local produce in its exquisite recipes.

Featured Image: Supplied