Pies, rag puddings and poor man’s crumpets at new digs, The Northern

ON the cusp of throwing open its doors to the public, new restaurant The Northern brings together two of Bolton’s best-known institutions – the iconic Grade II*-listed Albert Halls and celebrated chef Paul Heathcote, born and bred in the town.

Clog o’dripping chips with cheese and onion sauce

Paul's renowned and well established catering company, Heathcote&Co, will be the food and beverage operator behind The Northern which aims to offer top-notch hospitality and events for both Bolton Council and the local community in the landmark building, which encompasses Bolton Town Hall, a theatre, and a wedding and conference space. It is the last leg of a multi-million-pound refurbishment of the Neoclassical Victoria Square and Le Mans Crescent heritage zone.  

Inside the restaurant, expect plenty of brass and backlit stained glass features, a lounge with leather booths and domino tables, and open kitchens to showcase the skills of Chef Director Paul Heathcote. Recently spotted collaborating on the MIF Festival Square Lazy Lunch series alongside the likes of The Creameries’ Mary-Ellen McTeague and Steven Doherty of Le Gavroche, the multi Michelin Star-winner has created a menu reinventing great northern classics and showcasing Lancashire produce.

2019 07 24 Heathcote With Mayor Of Bolton
Paul Heathcote (left) welcomes the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Hilary Fairclough; the Mayor’s Consort, Don Fairclough, and the Leader of the Council, Cllr David Greenhalgh to the Northern
2019 07 24 Heathcote The Northern Bolton Interior
Bolton memorabilia and famous faces are commemorated in the décor of the new restaurant

Says Paul: “The Northern will celebrate wonderful food from all over the north of England from poor man’s crumpets with potted salmon to pudding in’t rag, Eccles cakes with ice cream, and of course Heathcote's renowned bread and butter pudding.”  

Other afters include Manchester tart and traditional English trifle, while classic fish pie and Northern beef steamed pudding are teamed with the likes of salt-baked celeriac and clog o’dripping chips with cheese and onion sauce, and the chicken pie uses corn-fed poultry from Reg Johnson’s famous Goosnargh farm up the road near Preston. 

The Northern is due to officially open to the public by the end of summer 2019.  

The Northern from Heathcote&Co, Albert Halls, Victoria Square, Bolton, BL1 1RU