New restaurants and bars to try this Christmas

Date published: 18 December 2019

With office parties, family meals and drinks with friends to squeeze in somewhere between all the Christmas shopping and wrapping, December is the perfect time to try somewhere new.

In the past month, three new venues have opened their doors; Bombay Brew (Drake Street), Pint Pot (Baillie Street) and Mannerist (South Parade).

Paul Ambrose, BID Manager, says the new openings reflect the ambition and confidence in the town.

He continued: “It’s great to see new high-quality food and drink venues openings in the town centre. One of the key reasons why the transformation of the town centre has moved up a gear in recent years has been the growing range of restaurants, pubs and bars. 

“These high-quality customer focused food and drink businesses offer a fantastic experience for locals and visitors; they help drive footfall and make the town centre a better place for all.”

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for regeneration, added: “Rochdale has got such a strong offer because of the range of independents. Chains are likely to pop up in the Riverside development, but we already have a fantastic choice of family-run and independent pubs and restaurants. 

“We are lucky to have them, and we should all bob in to show our support. Whilst I’ve been the cabinet member for regeneration, through the early evening economy board, the council has been trying really hard to get behind these businesses and this initiative will give the town a real boost.”

Here are all the new places you need to have on your radar this Christmas:

Bombay Brew, 1 Drake Street

Situated in the former Wellington Hotel, this venue promises a winning formula of Indian-inspired street food and craft ales.

The menu will offer street food plates such as Bom-Bae Lolly Pops which is lamb spiced with carom seeds, garam masala and ginger, glazed with a secret sauce and curry classics such Dopiaza and Kadai.  

At lunch time Tiffin boxes are available which comprise three delicious layers and customers can pick their own protein, a side and street food.  A Tiffin for one is £8 while a Tiffin for two is £12.

Behind the bar, there is focus of cask ales, tea and cocktails.

Pint Pot, Baillie Street

A new micropub has been opened by the team behind Vicolo Del Vino. Located on Baillie Street, a stone’s throw away from the new Riverside development.

Its owners, Michael and Sarah Howarth, are keen for the venue to be at the heart of the town centre community, providing good quality real ales, craft beers, wines and gins, and a place to for people to meet, chat and relax.

Mannerist, 5 South Parade

Situated in the former Union Bank of Manchester, this Grade II listed building which overlooks the river has been lovingly converted into an Italian/American restaurant and bar just in time for Christmas.

The menu will consist of a selection of steaks, pizza and home-made pastas, whilst behind the bar there will be a wide selection of beers, wines and gins. 

Whether celebrating a special occasion or gathering the family for an informal dinner, Mannerist aims to make every guest feel comfortable enough to laugh out loud, have a great time, and be indulged.