Rochdale Town Hall is widely regarded as one of the UK’s finest examples of Victorian Gothic architecture, and nestled within its walls, The Martlet Kitchen provides a stunning backdrop to the dining experience.
The restaurant opened in September 2024 and offers afternoon teas, evenings of fine dining, special Sunday dinners, and now a terrace space has been launched so diners can choose to enjoy their meal alfresco.
Leading the kitchen is multi-award winning chef Darren Parkinson. The talented chef hails from the borough of Rochdale, having grown up in Heywood and trained in catering at Hopwood Hall College, before kicking off his long and successful career in kitchens in the UK, as well as in northern France.
The Martlet is a mythical bird with no feet, it is said that the bird never roosts from the moment of birth until its final fall. Imagery of The Martlet appears throughout Rochdale Town Hall, with many examples unearthed during restoration work.
