Rochdale

A Manc’s guide to: Rochdale, the Northern town whose reputation precedes it

Don't knock it 'til you've checked these out

Thomas Melia - 19th February 2025

It’s a well known fact that Rochdale has received a bad rep, but this town has a fair few hidden gems waiting for people to try them – and don’t knock it ’til you’ve checked these out.

Well, well, well I’ve been trusted with the job of writing a guide to my hometown, and as someone who is self-proclaimed ‘Rochdale born and bred’, you can guarantee this guide is packed with all the best bits this small but mighty town has to offer.

I have gone against the famous saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ with the title but it’s safe to say that Rochdale has had its fair share of slander, even by the people that live here.

But one thing is for sure, we don’t half have some good spots that are well and truly slept on.

If there’s one thing Rochdale is sure to sort you out with it’s a good hearty meal, a nice brisk walk and some top notch night time locations, this town has got you covered.

Food and drink

Rochdale guide - Suburb — Rochdale guide – Suburb

The Martlet in Rochdale — Rochdale guide – Suburb

Suburb – Instagramable and tasty, this cafe and restaurant has everything you could need from gorgeous hot chocolates to irresistible pastries. Avocado toast girlies, this one’s for you, the egg menu is chef’s kiss.

Pavilion – Nothing quite hits the spot like a good curry and Pavilion have got this dish mastered. Sit under a flowery ceiling while eating some floury offerings like their poppadoms with pickle trays and soft doughy naans, and of course these are paired with their wonderful curry variations.

The Martlet – Fine diners unite, this exquisite kitchen is serving up some local and luxury cuisine that’s situated in Rochdale’s most gorgeous site, Rochdale Town Hall. Expect proper northern dishes like bacon chop crispy, Scotch eggs made with Bury Black Pudding, and hearty puddings.

Vicolo Del Vino – Just next door is this gorgeous wine cellar and after stuffing your face with small plates, there’s only one remedy to wash it down with, wine. Still peckish? Order a bowl of tiramisu, because what good night ended with a salad?

La Mancha – Everyone boasts about the Mediterranean diet, well Rochdale’s been doing it since 1998. Tucked away down a ginnel on Bull Brow is La Mancha, with plenty for seafood fans, chorizo lovers and veggies alike.

The Baum pub in Rochdale — Pavilion Indian restaurant in Rochdale

The Baum – A place which serves proper ‘pub grub’. Located on Toad Lane, which is like a mini window into Rochdale’s past, sit back, unwind and undo your jean button because you’re about to eat one of the best cheese and onion pies of your life.

Russells – There’s one thing every town needs and that’s a right good caff, Russells is Rochdale’s equivalent. Full English, toasties, jacket potatoes, you can’t go wrong with these lunchtime favourites, and if you’ve left room for more, try a jam and cream scone, absolute heaven.

Milnrow Balti House – This curry house has built quite the name for itself winning numerous awards, most notably, in 2023 winning ‘Best Restaurant in the North West’ doubling down on this by also achieving ‘Champion of Champions’ the same year.

Mr. Thomas’ – Nothing beats chippy chips especially when you can eat them with lovely scenery of Rochdale’s main attraction, Hollingworth Lake.

Bella Vista – This place takes ‘Food with a view’ to a whole new meaning. Not only are you being presented with some of the best Italian home comforts, you’re accompanied with a picturesque bird’s eye view of this lovely town and beyond. Bellissima!

Nightlife and Hotels

Hoochi Koochi – Think 42’s but on a much smaller and intimate setting. Much like the Manchester staple night out venue, there are numerous famous faces adorning these walls and you’ll hear some of the best indie and rock classics.

Hogarths – Ever fancied drinking in an impressive and historic old bank? Enjoy a drink or two in the heart of Rochdale’s town centre while admiring this public house’s grand interior. One of the old safe rooms even doubles as a karaoke booth.

Empire – Rihanna, Tina Turner, ABBA, you name it they’ve played here – tributes of course! Either way, you’re guaranteed a good turnout at this late night establishment.

In terms of hotels… there’s a Hampton by Hilton right in the centre of town if not try staying near Hollingworth Lake, trust me it’s stunning.

Music and culture

The Fireground museum — Volunteers at the Fireground Museum

Rochdale Town Hall – After years of painstaking work, the magnificent, historic Rochdale Town Hall reopened its doors to the public last year following its multi-million pound revamp. This incredible building is packed with history, sweeping staircases, and hand-painted walls and ceilings. A must-visit.

Touchstones Museum – Currently undergoing a refurbishment, this is your go-to for any Rochdale history related queries, you name it, they usually know the answer. It’s very interactive and perfect for any age, especially kids.

Fireground Museum – Rochdale’s old fire station is now an engaging and interesting building dedicated to the history of fire and rescue in Greater Manchester. The site showcases a handful of old engines, an onsite cafe, and the volunteers on hand are all ex-fire workers, wow.

Rochdale Pioneers Museum – The birthplace of The Co-operative Group and that proper pub grub we mentioned earlier is just next door. Once you’ve enriched yourself in culture, you have to enrich yourself in a hearty homemade meal as well, right?

Music – Did you know that Joy Division recorded their music here from 1978 onwards and even had equipment custom built into the recording studio ground floor on Kenion Street?

The same recording studios were used to film ’24 Hour Party People’, in a scene that recreated the New Order and Joy Division drummer Stephen Morris playing his drums on the roof of the building.

Rochdale is also home to local star and hitmaker Lisa Stansfield whose 1989 single ‘All Around The World’ topped the UK charts alongside groundbreaking album ‘Affection’ released the same year.

And you can’t mention music without paying homage to ‘Our Gracie’. Perched outside our iconic town hall, is triple threat Gracie Fields, who contributed to film, music and TV – the 1930’s equivalent to Taylor Swift.

Walking routes

Greenbooth in summer. Credit: The Manc Group

Hollingworth Lake – This is an accessible and flat walk suitable for all and if you’ve worked up an appetite there’s an ice cream truck courtesy of Northern sweet-treat greats Grandpa Greene’s on Lake Bank.

Greenbooth Reservoir – Situated in Naden Valley, there’s three different reservoirs to walk around, you can choose how many you feel like tackling. A real hidden beauty spot.

Healey Dell – There’s grand arches, big trees and a nice cake and a cuppa waiting for you in the nearby tearoom.

Wardle Reservoir – A dog friendly circular trail around a man made reservoir. If there hasn’t been a downpour for a while, you can catch a glimpse of the old village that’s now underwater.

Purple Plaque Trail – Rochdale have purple plaques dedicated to their favourite daughter, Gracie Fields. You can visit nine town centre locations relating to the northern star, check out the trail HERE.

Transport

Rochdale Town Centre is the very last stop on the Metrolink dropping you in the middle of all the action and helpfully right next to the town’s bus station too.

There are also excellent train links with Manchester and beyond.

If you enjoy your own company the M62 is close by, why not take a trip over the hill to Huddersfield, you can even make a pitstop in Oldham on your journey home.

Shopping

This borough is home to some lovely little independent retailers ranging from clothes and records to trinkets and cakes, it really does have it all.

Butterworth’s – An independent retailer that has sat on the streets of Rochdale for over 40 years bringing the biggest brands like Adidas, Berghaus and Fila.

Okeechobee – Marketed as a ‘Ladies’ Boutique’, this vendor sells everything you can think of including chunky knits and formal office wear.

Rocks Off – Adorning Drake Street for over 30 years with music releases from all the greats, Rocks Off brings Rochdale physical music to Rochdale, like vinyl, cd’s and even cassettes.

Little Gift Box – Halfway between Rochdale town centre and Littleborough, this family-owned business stocks cute decorations and ornaments, as well as wholesome cards and keepsakes.

Brown’s Cakes – Not hard to miss, if the bright pink shop front doesn’t entice you in, the cakes in the window will. Everyday is your birthday over at Brown’s, after all that shopping you deserve a treat.