Review: Fireground Cafe

I had already visited the Fireground museum pre-Covid and met Bob Bonner and his colleagues who had shown me round this fascinating attraction. This time I just wanted a hot drink and some breakfast after an appointment at Nye Bevan House across the road. The sign on the windows and door of the Fireground Cafe said “Under New Management”.

Fireground Cafe is now open from 8am to 1pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays; on Thursdays and Fridays the cafe opens at the same time but closes at 4pm. On Saturdays there is a later opening – 10 am - and closure at 4pm. The museum is open from 10am to 4pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

At the cafe there is an inviting breakfast section with croissants, toast and bacon, sausage and bacon and avocado sandwiches. There are also cold sandwiches for meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans and a selection of toasties. Children are well catered for with their own sandwiches and toasties and ice creams are also on offer. There is a full range of coffees with the option of extra flavours and the cafe's award winning bakes. Teas, hot chocolate and cold drinks are available. Prices are better value than most national chains of cafes.

My bacon buttie was excellent with lots of tasty bacon. I am a mustard fan and I hope that my next visit will see this condiment provided (hint, hint!). While I was in the cafe, a steady stream of customers came in, some en route to the adjacent museum, somelike me – just passing through.

Fireground's unique setting just across the road from Rochdale railway station should ensure good passing trade. The cafe felt like my sort of place; no loud music, nor smells of burnt panini nor sign of loitering “characters”! If I spend money in the “hospitality sector”, I expect quality food and drink, excellent service and a pleasant atmosphere. Fireground Cafe more than meets my requirements.

A week later, I made a return visit to the cafe and spoke with the new manager, Danny O'Neill. Danny and his partner also run the well established Busy Beans Coffee Shop in Littleborough so Fireground are in safe hands. The new set up is working well and Danny already has plans to extend the menu. When I mentioned the matter of mustard, I was assured that purchasing this English condiment is on their “to do” list! To be fair, the new management have only been operating for a week and with that being my one and only complaint, they're not going far wrong! You can follow the cafe on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

If you are visiting Rochdale's newest (and, in my opinion, finest and friendliest) museum, why not include popping into the cafe? If you are catching – or have caught – a train, tram or bus at Rochdale Station, try the Fireground Cafe. I am glad that I did. By using the cafe, you are not only supporting a local, independent business, but also supporting the important work of the museum.

Fireground @wherewegoingmummy

Fireground Cafe, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN

www.fireground.org.uk

Richard Lysons

(With thanks to Bob Bonner and Danny O'Neill)