There is a mythical bird called the Martlet which is supposed to symbolise a continuous effort. Said to never roost from the moment it is born until its final fall, the footless vertebrate has been mentioned in Shakespeare’s Macbeth and even features on the Emblem of Sussex. But the Martlet now also has roots much closer to home as it is the namesake for a new restaurant in Rochdale - which aims to represent a new era for not only the borough, but the historic building it is situated in.
It's tucked away within a quaint corner of the Grade I-listed Town Hall, which dates back to 1871 and was once allegedly even so admired by Adolf Hitler that he wanted to dismantle it and rebuild it, brick-by-brick, back in Nazi Germany (I repeat, allegedly). There's something remarkable about the new restaurant in Rochdale Town Hall - and I'm not talking just about the food (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News) READ MORE: "Gravy like the finest champagne": Greater Manchester's best roast dinners The Martlet Kitchen arrives following the completion of an extensive four-year refurbishment of the hall. Led by executive chef Darren Parkinson, who has earned multiple AA rosettes during his time at venues like Shibden Mill and The Fleece, the venue continues the stunning tradition of the historic building with banquette seating.
During the day, the restaurant will serve brunches and light lunches, with a selection of grab-and-go foods on offer for the borough’s workers, whilst on Fri.