Review on The Bird at Birtle
Acclaimed chef Andrew Nutter has opened a sister venue to his well regarded Nutters restaurant in Rochdale, The Bird at Birtle, a gastro pub located on the outskirts of the Lancashire countryside, just five minutes drive from Bury and with easy access to the M62 and M66. The building has undergone a million pound refurbishment and extension, transforming it into a spectacular contemporary space spread over two floors, whilst retaining much of the original building such as the exposed stone walls, original beams and fireplace.
The ground floor is open plan with a reception area, main lounge and bar together with some dining tables. Upstairs is the main restaurant with one wall featuring a giant bird logo captioned with the wording "Great Lancashire fare with flair and imagination" and you will find further smaller bird logos appearing on door and windows throughout the building. It has the added bonus of a wall of floor to ceiling windows which open out onto a terrace with wonderful views of the surrounding fields.
Andrew has appointed Carl Tait, his lieutenant of some twelve years to head the kitchen and together they propose a classic British menu with modern flourishes, making excellent use of the local larder. A good way to start is with the slow cooked sticky rib with Rochdale peas or if fish is your bag, there's steamed mussels in white wine, chilli and garlic. When it comes to main courses, there's succulent steaks from the grill, pies such as the steak and 'birdie' ale pudding, or maybe opt for the highly recommended braised lamb shoulder with potato dauphinois. Desserts offer temptation with crème brûlée served with shortbread biscuits or a delicious cherry frangipane tart paired with Amaretto ice cream and chocolate cookies.
Cuisine
Gastro pub
Chef
Andrew Nutter and Carl Tait
Restaurant Opening Times
Lunch: 12.00 - 2.15pm (6.00pm Sun)
Dinner: 6.30 - 8.30pm Mon-Fri (6.30 - 9.00pm Sat)
Accepted credit cards
Visa, Master Card, American Express