Roots and Chalice bar getting 'better and better' in Tyldesley

Two years ago, Kaya Isik and his partner aimed to open a new salon on Elliott Street in Tyldesley, but spiralling building costs made the family have a rethink and they converted the space into a new rum and reggae bar.

Although Kaya's dad Adnan had plans to emigrate to Turkey, the family dedicated all of their spare time to create a bar that contained all of their interests and passions, and 'Roots and Chalice' has taken on a life of its own since its launch in December 2022.

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The Isik family diverted hairdressing and emigration plans with the bar (Image: Leigh Journal)
Located at the far end of Elliott Street, the intimate Roots and Chalice is one of several bars that have helped to change the attitudes of Tyldesley in recent years, with local councillor Joanne Marshall describing the area as an "up and coming" town.

With a growing mix of independent venues in Tyldesley, Adnan said that this has allowed Roots and Chalice to thrive since its launch, and the good relationships he has formed with neighbouring businesses have enabled the former Arctic lorry driver to quickly find his feet in the hospitality industry.

"I think things started to change in Tyldesley with the Hop and Hazlewood opening [in 2018], and a few bars followed suit", Adnan said.

"A mix of bars gives people more of an opportunity to come out and experience different venues, and we have definitely seen more people coming out since we opened.

"It has been brilliant since we opened, and it seems to only be getting better and better. We could just do with a couple of more bars and more people knowing about us!"

There is often an electric atmosphere for the bar's live music events (Image: Roots and Chalice)
Predominantly run by Adnan, who has put his emigration plans on hold, Roots and Chalice provides a wide selection of rum, beers, and cocktails, and the bar owner also claimed that the venue has the "best Guinness outside of Manchester".

With posters of reggae musicians adorning the walls, the venue also showcases live acoustic singers and has further upstairs space for customers to relax and unwind.

And while Adnan admitted that there have been consistent challenges during the cost of living crisis, he said the bar often has a great atmosphere, particularly for its live music performances.

Maintaining a reputation as a popular live music venue, Roots and Chalice will also host three live acts as part of Tyldesley Music Festival which is set to take place on Sunday, May 5.

Roots and Chalice, on Elliott Street in Tyldesley (Image: Leigh Journal)