The Martlet: A Culinary Gem in Rochdale Town Hall
- Prices: Lunch plates £10; main courses £14 – £21; desserts £5; afternoon tea £21.
- The Martlet is a new restaurant set inside Rochdale Town Hall.
- The restaurant aims to provide quality food and drinks to the community.
The Martlet Restaurant Review
Location: The Martlet, Rochdale Town Hall, OL16 1AZ.
Prices: Lunch plates £10; main courses £14 – £21; desserts £5; afternoon tea £21. Evening menu: three courses £35. Wines from £22 a bottle.
The Martlet is a new restaurant set inside Rochdale Town Hall. The Town Hall has been beautifully restored since 2021, showcasing stunning Victorian gothic architecture. Visitors can enjoy fine stonework, stained-glass windows, and detailed wood paneling.
The restaurant aims to provide quality food and drinks to the community. It avoids being a typical coffee shop or a trendy small plates bar. Chef Darren Parkinson, a local, offers a diverse menu that includes items like a full English breakfast and a Bombay breakfast. Lunchtime features platters for £10, including soft herb risotto and salad options.
A highlight on the menu is the Scotch egg made with Bury black pudding, served with piccalilli. The sausage roll, presented in finger-sized pieces with a spicy curry ketchup, also stands out. The “Rochdale Town Hall Classics” section offers traditional dishes like fish and chips and a bacon chop with Bury black pudding.
The rag pudding is another signature dish. This pie encases a filling of braised and minced beef in flaky pastry, served with rich gravy, crisp potatoes, and minty peas.
For grilled options, the Gloucester Old Spot pork chop is a must-try. It comes with roasted vegetables and thick-cut chips. The portions are generous, and diners may find it challenging to start with an appetizer before moving to the main course.
The restaurant offers a vibrant atmosphere during lunch and a more formal experience on Friday and Saturday evenings. Evening options include mackerel, crab, beef wellington, and desserts like sticky toffee pudding.
Afternoon tea is also available, with scones served warm and accompanied by clotted cream and jam. The scones are light and flavorful, making them a delightful end to the meal.
Overall, The Martlet combines quality food with a stunning atmosphere. It serves as an important community gathering spot and showcases local culinary talent. Every town should aim to have a place like this, where good food meets civic pride.