The Martlet Kitchen, a fine dining restaurant, has officially opened its doors to the public within the recently-restored Rochdale Town Hall.
The grand opening was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Shakil Ahmed, Mayoress Sultanah Begum, and consort Councillor Rachel Massey.
The new restaurant, supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is set against the stunning backdrop of the Grade I listed Town Hall, promising a unique dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
The Martlet Kitchen offers a fine dining evening menu on Fridays and Saturdays, led by executive chef Darren Parkinson, a Heywood local with an impressive culinary career.
Darren, who has earned multiple AA rosettes, previously worked at notable establishments like Shibden Mill and The Fleece.
He has designed a menu that showcases seasonal ingredients and local produce, elevating traditional northern fare to new heights.
Highlights from the menu include mackerel and Whitby crab served with pickled cucumber, Granny Smith apple, sorrel, and sourdough croutons, North Sea halibut with masala-spiced pumpkin, saag aloo, tandoori onions, and purple sprouting broccoli, as well as the signature ‘RTH Fillet Rossini’, a luxurious dish featuring Lee Horsley beef fillet, truffle, duck liver pâté, wild mushrooms, and rösti potatoes.
Chef Parkinson worked closely with acclaimed chef Tristan Welch, known for his work in renowned kitchens like Le Gavroche and L’Arpège, and for his appearances on the BBC’s Great British Menu.
Tristan’s expertise has contributed to the development of the menu, ensuring a top-tier dining experience.
Previously in a soft launch phase with a Café Luxe menu, The Martlet Kitchen is now fully open, offering both northern classics and gourmet fine dining.
