Food hall opens in town's historic building

A new food hall with stalls, a bar and a seating area has been opened inside a historic town hall.

The Egyptian Room opened this month in Oldham’s Old Town Hall, in Greater Manchester, as a part of the council's multi-million pound renovation of the building, which was first opened in 1841.

The space offers five food outlets, a bar, indoor and outdoor seating for two hundred people, as well as a new mezzanine area.

Oldham Council boss Arooj Shah said: “The new modern food hall complements and showcases the building’s stunning Victorian architecture, making it a true one-of-a-kind venue.”

She added: “It’s a great attraction to bring local people and visitors into the town centre, especially in the evenings, and will not only boost our local economy but also create jobs for residents.”

The renovation of the Grade II listed building, which included a new cinema, brought the building back into use after nearly 40 years.

However, the Egyptian Room has been empty since it re-opened in 2016.

Simon Smith, who runs Caribbean food stall Seacoles, said the hall’s architecture was “inspiring”.

He added: “I’m hoping for a very open atmosphere, getting young people in and business people in.”

“The place can be opened up to many possibilities.”

Mother and daughter Lisa and Grace Marks were among the early visitors to the food hall.

Lisa said: “I think they’ve done a good job of preserving the room.

“I’m pleasantly surprised by how busy it is for a Tuesday afternoon.”

Alison Clough-Halstead, who travelled from Rossendale especially to see the new food hall said: “I’d say it’s as good if not better [than other food halls in Greater Manchester].”

“We’re very impressed with the food - that’s one of the nicest egg-fried rice I’ve had.”

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