Known for its traditional links to farming, coal mining and even the production of nails and bolts, it’s now a different kind of grafting, crafting and making that makes Orrell stand out.
Popular food spots, independent retailers and a healthy portion of creativity provide a diverse offer for visitors.
We just had to pay a visit and the Borough Life team’s trip to the town started with a visit to The Old Bank on the busy Church Street.
If your vibes are brunch, this cozy café makes for the perfect late brekky,
serving their breakfast menu up until 2.30pm (perfect for late-risers) along with a generous selection of pastries and freshly brewed coffee.
We were stuck between breakfast and lunch so ordered both (why not!?), opting for the Aussie breakfast bagel delicately stacked with halloumi, sausage, bacon, fried egg topped with avocado (yes, we did finish it all!).
The lunch of choice was a hot beef and onion baguette served with a mountain of wedges and a generous pot of gravy….yum!
The Old Bank now lives beside Upper Crust Pizza, a family-owned business which opened in 2021 serving freshly made Neapolitan style pizza… not to forget their
delicious chocolate Nutella doughnuts.
If you’re making a night of it, you only need to take
a couple of steps over the road where you’ll find The Copper Tap which has regular live music and a selection of drinks and popular cocktails if you’re in fine fettle for a fun night out.
Our next stop was The Little Workshop and if the shop window dressed in seasonal gifts isn’t enough to immediately entice you in, just wait until you see the magic inside.
They specialise in locally made gifts, upcycled furniture, bespoke items and offer a range of creative workshops for adults and children. These are hosted by local crafters and makers from jewellery making,
to mosaic signs and even candle making.
Owner Samantha will soon be celebrating their five-year anniversary and says her customers often come for a workshop and stay around for lunch and dinner nearby; something that wasn’t possible a few years ago.
“Lots of people comment on how just having a couple of hours out learning a new skill is very relaxing for them,” Samantha explains.
Creativity oozes through this unique space and all of the shop’s fixtures are made from repurposed furniture with a table at the back sat next to a display of colourful fabric where workshops are hosted.
Just a short trip up the road is a delicatessen of dreams. The Little Green Platter Company (pictured below) creates stunning handmade grazingboards, platters and boxes that look like pieces of art and are (almost) too pretty to eat!
They’ve recently opened a graze bar, where you can call in and tuck into a graze box there and then!
The menu also offers all your seasonal and hearty favourites with a range of homemade soups, fresh breads and even hot-pots.
A new space upstairs, designed to host artisan cheese and wine experiences is scheduled to open in 2025, so watch this space!
And with that our trip draws to a close. We’ve only just scratched the surface with Orrell, there’s loads more places making their name, from a range of pubs, cafés and restaurants.
Here’s an added list of some of our favourites:
- The Posthouse Orrell: Bar and Kitchen.
- One Ten Rotisserie and Deli: Breakfast, lunch and takeaway.
- Greenslate Community Farm: Working farm that’s open to visitors and hosts activities.
- Straw Bale Café at Greenslate Farm: Serves all day breakfast, afternoon tea, toasties and sandwiches.