It was the only town centre where McDonald's couldn't survive... how times have changed

More than a decade ago, Rochdale was regarded as the only town in Greater Manchester where McDonald’s couldn’t survive.

A piece written in The Guardian in 2011 described how the only chain in the town centre had called it quits - hailing it as ‘banging another nail in the coffin of its struggling high street'.

But times have changed. Not only is Rochdale town centre already being lined up for a return of McDonald’s - but a new high-end restaurant has opened within its Grade I-listed Town Hall, which is aiming to put the borough on the culinary map.

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The Martlet Kitchen - which is named after a mythical bird often thought of as a symbol of continuous effort - will be fronted by Executive Chef Darren Parkinson. Having worked at prestigious restaurants including Shibden Mill and The Fleece, where he has earned multiple AA rosettes and accolades, Darren’s menu will bring together Northern classics with a fine dining twist.

To give a feel of what diners can expect, a recent soft launch of the restaurant featured a Café Luxe menu including the likes of Jackson's Rag Pudding and a Bacon Chop with a Bury Black Pudding.

Its daytime offering, available weekdays from 10am to 4pm, will also include classic brunches including steak and eggs and eggs benedict with smokehouse salmon, as well as traditional afternoon tea. There will also be a 'grab and go' section for people to pick up quick lunches, like freshly-made poke bowls.

The Martlet’s fine dining menu, which has been created with the assistance of renowned chef and Great British Menu star Tristan Welch, will feature dishes including Mackerel & Whitby Crab with pickled cucumber,