Unveiling Rochdale’s hidden heritage with pub trail

Date published: 24 August 2024

As autumn breezes through Rochdale, the town is set to come alive with the lively spirit of history and culture.

This September, the town will participate in England's largest community-led festival, Heritage Open Days (HOD), a nationwide celebration that honours local heritage and community spirit. Rochdale Town Centre BID, a staunch supporter of HOD’s mission, is set to enhance this year’s festivities with a unique and engaging initiative: the Heritage Pub Trail.

Heritage Open Days is a cherished event that invites people from all walks of life to explore their local history and cultural landmarks, often with the help of dedicated volunteers and local organisations.

This year, Rochdale will showcase its rich and diverse pub culture through the innovative Heritage Pub Trail, highlighting the historical significance of its most beloved drinking establishments.

On Saturday 7 September, the trail will guide visitors through a selection of Rochdale’s finest pubs and bars, each offering a glimpse into their own 'hidden heritage story.'

From the historic charm of The Regal Moon to the eclectic atmosphere of Hoochi Koochi, each venue will provide unique insights into its past, making this a perfect opportunity for history buffs and casual pub-goers alike to delve into Rochdale’s past.

The participating venues in this year’s Heritage Pub Trail include the Rochdale Pioneers Museum, The Baum, Pint Pot, D’Ale House, Hoochi Koochi, The Flying Horse Hotel, The Regal Moon, Hogarths, Our Gracies, and Lucky Duck Beer Emporium. As visitors journey through these locations, they will encounter captivating stories and historical anecdotes that bring each pub’s heritage to life.

To enhance the experience, visitors can collect a Heritage Pub Trail stamp card from the Rochdale Pioneers Museum, which serves as the first stop on the trail. The museum itself holds historical significance as the birthplace of the first successful member-owned retail co-op, founded in 1844.

In a nod to the Pioneers’ vision of a temperance hotel serving non-alcoholic drinks to unite the community, the museum will feature a pop-up temperance bar, reconnecting with the spirit of the original co-op’s ideals.

BID manager Paul Ambrose said: “For this year's HOD, the BID has created an event known as the Heritage Pub Trail. The town centre is known for having a fantastic array of beautiful pubs and bars and many of them specialise in real ale.

“This event will shine a light on many of the pubs with each participating one displaying their very own 'hidden heritage story' which will reveal facilitating insights  into their rich and diverse history.”

As visitors explore the participating pubs and gather stamps on their trail card, they can enter a draw to win a meal for two at a town centre pub or restaurant, adding an extra incentive to the journey.

The Heritage Pub Trail builds on a project originally launched by the BID during the initial lockdown period, where 'hidden heritage story' panels were shared through social media. This initiative has since evolved into an outdoor gallery with 21 panels installed around the Baillie Street Quarter, each offering a fascinating glimpse into Rochdale’s past.

This year’s Heritage Open Days celebration is more than just a stroll through historic pubs. It is a celebration of Rochdale’s ongoing creative transformation, fostering a deeper connection to the town’s history and inviting both new and familiar faces to appreciate its rich cultural tapestry.

As the Heritage Pub Trail unfolds, it promises to be a journey of discovery, storytelling, and community engagement, reflecting the essence of what Heritage Open Days stands for: a shared celebration of the places and stories that bind us together.

Liz McIvor trust manager of the Co-operative Heritage Trust said: "We at the Co-op Heritage Trust really wanted to make the trail as inclusive as possible with an alternative to alcohol - which the original Rochdale Pioneers would have approved of."

"It's been 180 years since the Rochdale Pioneers started their co-op in 1844 and they wanted to open a temperance bar so people could meet without relying on alcohol."

"Heritage Open Days is all about discovering something new and the promotion of sobriety by the early co-op movement is something people don't know as much about as the story of the shop."

The Rochd'ale' Heritage Pub Trail takes place on 7 September 2024.

To be in with a chance of winning a meal for two from a town centre venue: send a photo of your completed stamp card to paul@rochdalebid.co.uk.