Discover: The Medicine Tap, Rochdale Town Centre

This issue, we meet meet Rochdale entrepreneur, Caroline Norton, to find out more about her popular town centre 'coffee house, restaurant, bar and beer house", The Medicine Tap...

The Medicine Tap is situated in Rochdale's former Old Post Office, a beautiful Grade II listed building which originally opened in 1927. The building stands in the heart of Rochdale Town Centre against the backdrop of the Town Hall, and adjacent to the beautiful sunken gardens and Cenotaph.

Following a full refurbishment and complete change of use, this stunning venue re-opened in 2018 and has retained all of its original character and charm. With a nod to the building's rich history, The Medicine Tap offers a unique and inviting place to relax in whilst enjoying superb food and drink.

Owner, Caroline Norton, commented: "It's a very iconic building - we hear so many lovely stories of people meeting their partners just outside on the steps of the Post Office as in the past, it used to be a central meeting point for people courting! So we've tried to keep the history as much as possible. We've kept the Post Office sign and we've also got post boxes and safes inside. We've also got a private function room called The Vault."

The Medicine Tap has something to suit everyone, from coffees to breakfast bites, afternoon tea to evening dining, and beers to cocktails.

Caroline said: "We have well over 80 offerings of gins now, plus vodka and spirits. We also have 30 ales on draught, a lovely wine list and a popular cocktail menu. Our tag line is "What's your medicine? We've got it on tap!" ...and we really do!

"We also brew our own beer at our own brewery, Mighty Medicine, in Whitworth. Our staple favourites are Madchester Cream and Stunning Blonde which prove very popular."

The Medicine Tap offers quality, locally sourced fresh food with old favourites as well as steaks, burgers, pizza and pasta dishes and a sandwich menu. Their delicious dessert menu includes their very own "Gin-ton Mess", waffles and luxury ice cream sundaes.

Caroline said: "We have a selection of "Tap Favourites", which is our own take on heart-warming favourites - things that your Grandma might have made but with our personal style.

"I wanted The Tap to be a place that you can come with Grandma, a group of ladies can come for lunch, but equally you could come for a family meal or for breakfast with your partner; a place that you can go any time of the day for any occasion.

"There's also plug sockets and USB points if people would like to work in a different environment, while enjoying a coffee.

"We're family friendly and we make sure everyone always gets a very warm welcome."

Looking ahead to the festive season Caroline commented: "The chefs and I are currently working on our winter Brasserie menu and our festive menu is ready to be printed for party bookings! Our festive menu will be available from 24th November and will include some amazing dishes in addition to the traditional Christmas favourites."

Book online at www.themedicinetap.co.uk or call 01706 869828. Follow The Medicine Tap on social media to keep up to date.

2 The Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 1AQ