Extravagant launch party for Andrew Nutter’s new gastronomic venture, The Bird at Birtle

The Bird at Birtle

Rochdale celebrity chef Andrew Nutter hosted an extravagant star-studded launch party last night (20 June) for his new gastronomic venture, The Bird at Birtle.

Making his appearance by helicopter, Andrew landed into a crowd of VIP guests who sipped on welcome drinks and enjoyed the party at the new Rochdale Old Road pub.

VIPs included Hollyoaks star Kieron Richardson, Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton and celebrity chefs Aiden Byrne and David Mooney who came to support the new local business which will officially open to the public on Tuesday 28 June.

The keys were handed over from builders H Bell and Sons last week, who say they are proud to have redeveloped the building and happy that local traders were a priority.

Louise Bell, from H Bell and Sons, said: “This is about the collaboration of local suppliers and family businesses working together and looking out for each other in Rochdale.

“It is a very exciting time and we were happy to be a part of it. The launch party was excellent and we are looking forward to watching this business become a success.

Another local company, CJ Partnership Ltd, was chosen as designers. Paul Clark said: “There are a lot of exciting features involved in the design that we’re proud of, as the building has been completely transformed. Even though the pub has been kept in all its original glory, the new building really is cutting edge and I don’t know any other place in Rochdale which has the sort of feel to it that this has.

“There is a rear balcony which overlooks the fields and all the fantastic scenery, and a lot of the building is made from glass which is very modern and lets in a lot of light. Of course there’s the fact that it’s going to be one of Andrew Nutters places so it will be second to none anyway. We are happy to have been the designers.”

The Bird at Birtle will offer traditional English dishes with other exciting variations to be added. The doors will be open from Tuesday with the full menu available from Thursday.

Landlady Hannah Powell said: “I cannot wait - but I just want to thank a few people for the last few years. Thanks to my amazing friends Lauren Walker & Louise Tarver as they have put me in contact with the best agents out there and have helped me to build a successful career. I couldn't have done it without you those two.

"Here's to a new chapter and plenty of laughter. Also, thank you to all my fabulous agents you know who you are.”