This is Rammy

Alright, Rammy folks, listen up! It sounds like we’re getting a new spot to check out this month, and this one promises something a bit different. Forget your usual Friday night takeaway; Mélange is opening its doors and bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to the Red Hall Hotel.

So, What’s On the Menu?

Mélange is opening where Oscar’s used to be, and they’re promising a blend of Mediterranean and British flavours. A bit of sunshine on a plate, mixed with some comforting classics – sounds interesting, right?

The menu’s supposed to be a bit of a “varied mixture” (that’s the gist of the name, apparently!). Expect to see dishes like:

• Lamb with bold spices
• Goat’s cheese salad with red wine-poached pear
• Mediterranean seafood risotto
• Buttermilk-soaked fried chicken
• Beef Wellington with “Chef’s special pastry”

Plus, sharing platters are on offer – mezze, charcuterie, and all that jazz. So, there should be something to please everyone… hopefully.

More Than Just a Meal?

Apparently, Mélange wants you to get involved with your food. Their tapenade comes with a mortar and pestle, so you can mash it up yourself at the table. A bit different, eh?

As for the vibe, they’re aiming for a Mediterranean feel – greenery, calming colours, trying to transport you to sunnier shores. Ambitious, in Lancashire, but we’ll see how it pans out!

A Word From The Owners

Priyanka and Gourav Batra, the folks behind Mélange, say:

“Mélange is about celebrating the warmth of family and friends, the joy of sharing good times, and creating lasting memories. It’s where British tradition meets Mediterranean flair, bringing love, life, and laughter to the table. We’ve created a space where every meal feels like a celebration, and we can’t wait to share it with you.”

Final Thoughts?

Mélange is opening this month, and it sounds like it could be worth a look. Will it be a hit with the Bury crowd? I might have to pop up and see what it’s like.

Bookings are now live on OpenTable, so if you’re feeling adventurous, get yourself a table!

Real Life Radio Rossendale launches today, with some familiar sounding hosts if you’ve ever listened to Rossendale Radio.

The station promises to offer “PROPER MUSIC. REAL TALK.” all streamed online, you can get it on your Amazon Echo if you have one, or via the website directly with efforts to bring in digital radio at a later date.

The station founders were previous hosts on Rossendale Radio who since leaving Rossendale Radio have now started Real Life Radio Rossendale. This means you’ll hear fantastic familiar hosts such as Charlie Kerrigan, Steve Youngs, James Goulding, Tracy Heatley and Tony Horne amongst others, you can find out who on their Meet the team page.

What has that got to do with Ramsbottom I hear you cry? Well, how about The Ramsbottom Hour hosted by me?

I’ve not fully formed the show yet, but it will most likely lean heavily on the podcast however one benefit is there will be music, which I simply can’t do on the podcast for music licensing reasons.

I’m really looking forward to this new challenge and the team are all eager to bring you what you want to hear, so if you have suggestions, you can get in touch with the station to let them know.

The last few months have been difficult (and continue to be) for everyone for obvious reasons. Whilst some locals have been making face masks and PPE, groups such as RammyMen have been helping with shopping and many other things and our local restaurants have been feeding the needy and those hardworking NHS staff and homeless on the frontline.

Glen Duckett from the Eagle and Child got in touch a few weeks back to let me know some of the fantastic things themselves and others have been doing to help:

We are currently sending out prepared meals each week working with
Mary-Ellen McTague, who established #McrFoodInitiative which aims to
feed the NHS workers and vulnerable people, such as the homeless and
family members of those in hospital or care.

[Read more…] about Local businesses helping the #MCRFoodInitiative with Eat Well MCR