New food hall set to open this summer in Oldham with bar

It comes after a huge investment in the Old Town Hall’s Egyptian Room, which is set to be transformed into a major attraction for the region.

The council announced this week that one of the country’s leading hospitality and entertainment entrepreneurs will be leading the project.

Oldham Food Hall Ltd, part of The Northern Lights Group (NLG), signed a long-term lease for the Egyptian Room.

An artist's impression of how the Egyptian Room could look (Image: Oldham Council)

It will feature six casual dining spots and street food style stalls, plus a bar with seating for 150 people.

Oldham Council’s leader Coun Arooj Shah said: “We can’t wait for Egyptian Room to open with one of the most exciting new eating and leisure offers anywhere in the region.

“Securing a regionally renowned operator like The Northern Lights Group is a massive win for Oldham.

"They have chosen to invest here and backed our plans to revitalise the town centre and our hospitality and entertainment sector.

“This combination of a building featuring stunning restored Victorian architecture with a cool new venue is something extra special.

"It’s a great attraction to bring local people and visitors into the town, particularly on evenings and at night – boosting our local economy.”

An artist's impression of how the Egyptian Room could look (Image: Oldham Council)

The Northern Lights Group has opened and operated successful bars and restaurants in Manchester city centre, Media City, and towns across the North West.

It is one of the region’s largest independent hospitality groups, with recent innovations including the launch of three successful Mexican restaurants in Manchester.

Managing director Joe Foster said: “This is an exciting time for us – and I believe for Oldham.

"We are ambitious to do things differently, and we’re going all out to create a unique new food hall in historic surroundings.

"I truly believe that local people and visitors to the town will love it.

“It’s our passion to bring exceptional food that is affordable and gives people special experiences.

"I can see Oldham Council has big plans for the town centre – and is well on with making them happen.

"We are proud to be a part of that, creating both a national-class venue, and new employment and development opportunities for local people.”

Joe Foster and Cllr Arooj Shah outside The Old Town Hall (Image: Oldham Council)

The plans come after a roundtable event was held on March 22, bringing businesses together with night-time economy expert Sacha Lord.

Building work to create the new food hall is scheduled to be completed by the end of this summer.

The grade II-listed space will offer both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a new mezzanine area.

It will combine a contemporary food hall set in the preserved historic character and original features of the Egyptian Room.

An artist's impression of how the Egyptian Room could look (Image: Oldham Council)

It already features original decorative glazed wall and column tiling, parquet and terrazzo flooring, plastered ceilings and original arched windows and doors.

Oldham Council has been awarded an external funding grant from the Future High Street Fund towards the costs of the restoration works.

Interested traders have been encouraged to email Joe Foster at info@theegyptianroom.com