food & drink The Baum
In my
The Baum
ROCHDALE TOWN CENTRE'S
THRIVING FOOD & DRINK SCENE Rochdale’s exciting and evolving food and drink scene is cementing its reputation amongst North of England as a must visit destination. Our town’s fascinating history, stunning architecture and rich industrial past is echoed and celebrated in many of the historic food and drink venues. Whether it be Mannerist, situated in the former Union Bank of Manchester building, The Medicine Tap in the listed Post Office, Yates in the former county court, the late 18th century Reed Hotel, The Regal moon in the old cinema or The Baum on Toad Lane, Rochdale has a plethora of venues which celebrate their heritage whilst offering the very finest in modern cuisine and drink. Rochdale’s burgeoning food and drink scene places a firm emphasis on the finest in local produce from around the region and authentic ingredients and this coupled with talented chefs has proved instrumental in the success of the town's long standing favourites like La Mancha and Vicolo Del Vino and exciting new eateries like Bombay Brew. There's a vibrant, positive atmosphere in the town centre with hospitality businesses encouraging one another. Paul Ambrose, Business Improvement District Manager, commented: "Every single business owner greets you with a smile on their face and is full of nothing but enthusiasm and praise for what you would normally call their competitors. Every business seems to love what others are bringing to the table and the whole town centre feels like one big food and drink loving family". Cllr John Blundell Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Business, Skills & Employment said: "The town centre's food and drink offer has gone from strength to strength over the last few years. You'll now find an array of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs and bars to suit every occasion, mood and budget. The growing food and drink offer will hopefully also have a beneficial knock-on effect for the town centre retail trade, with people taking the opportunity to shop in addition to eating and drinking". The Flying Horse, voted Greater Manchester’s best pub by CAMRA for the last two years running is enjoying a renaissance along with other popular venues along Packer Street. The street has been transformed into a pedestrianised continental-style outdoor dining area, named Gracie’s Garden, also serving customers of The Empire, Yate’s and KoKo’s. 8 | Rochdale Style
Inside and outside The Flying Horse it’s all now seated table service, with customers able to order traditional pub grub, and an extensive selection of cask and keg ales. There’s also a tasty new beer garden menu featuring the pub’s famous burgers and loaded fries. Gracie’s Garden is also shared by one of Rochdale’s most popular and oldest live music venues, The Empire. Empire’s rich history even includes a performance from child prodigy, Gracie Fields! These days, the Empire boasts a separate cocktail bar serving an exciting selection of classic and modern cocktails, plus a well stocked main bar offering over twenty gins. Just next door, on the corner of Packer Street and Fleece Street, Yates has served as both a post office and more recently a county court for over 60 years. Its illustrious and fascinating history is still evident in the impressive architecture of the venue with its modern and industrial décor. The versatile venue serves great value food and drink providing the perfect place for a brunch, lunch or an afternoon pint and a lively party venue in the evening. Situated opposite the Town Hall lies the imposing listed former Post Office that is now home to an exciting food and drink concept in the form of The Medicine Tap. The interior is seriously impressive and helps the venue wear its many hats as a beer hall, cocktail bar and all day drinking and eating destination. The Medicine Tap is just as comfortable serving coffee and cake as it is serving its simply incredible selection of ales from its 10 metre long bar! There are also over 80 gins from across the globe to choose from plus a comprehensive and exciting cocktail menu. Located on South Parade is the truly stunning former Union Bank of Manchester, now home to Mannerist bar and restaurant. Stepping through the grand double doors diners and drinkers are greeted with an uber cool minimalist décor that seeks to emphasise the grand stature of this listed building. Heavenly Desserts
