Rochdale Riverside’s top shopping hacks to stretch your summer budget

Monday, 14 July 2025 09:56

By David Murphy

Savvy shoppers can unlock free food, parking and family deals at Rochdale Riverside this summer as the centre reveals its top hidden perks.

With school holidays underway and sale signs popping up across shopfronts, Rochdale Riverside is spotlighting a series of summer savings tips to help families and bargain hunters make their money go further.

From free tacos and desserts to discounted mini golf and student deals, the centre says there’s more to its summer offering than just cut-price fashion.

The initiative, led by centre manager Rachel Byrne, aims to highlight value-added benefits that might not be obvious to first-time visitors.

Free perks for filmgoers and foodies

Anyone heading to Reel Cinema can claim four hours of free parking at the centre’s car park, a handy bonus for those making a day of it. Shoppers can also grab a free taco by downloading the Taco Bell app, or enjoy a complimentary dessert with any main, salad or burger as part of Pionero Lounge’s ‘Cheeky Monday’ offer.

Pionero Lounge is also running a free kids' breakfast club every Monday from 9am to 10:30am, with rotating weekly themes and meals ranging from pancakes to full English breakfasts.

Treats for children and families

Costa Coffee and Starbucks are both offering free Babyccinos (frothy warm milk) with a purchase, depending on availability. On top of that, Rochdale Riverside will host a schedule of free family-friendly events during the school break, full details are listed on its website.

Parents are also encouraged to check in-store for kids-eat-free promotions available at various cafes and restaurants throughout the summer.

Budget-friendly entertainment and rewards

Reel Cinema and Putt & Play have joined forces to offer discounted entertainment, including 25% off mini golf sessions. Meanwhile, those who sign up to retailer apps and loyalty clubs can access exclusive offers from brands like Greggs, Costa, Nandos and Dunkin’.

Students shopping with valid ID can unlock further discounts on fashion, food and more.

Centre manager Rachel Byrne said: “With summer being an expensive time for families, we want to make sure every visit to Rochdale Riverside delivers more value than expected. From fun perks to hidden freebies, it’s all about helping our shoppers make the most of their summer, come rain or shine.”

Retailers are also continuing to offer major reductions on clothing, homeware and travel essentials as the summer sales hit their peak.

Pionero Lounge at Rochdale Riverside - Free kids breakfasts

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Talented 12-year-old wins place at top dance school

A young dancer has been chosen for an elite training programme after impressing judges with her creative moves.
Man jailed for 13 years after decade-long campaign of child sexual abuse exposed

A Rochdale man has been sentenced to 13 years in prison after being convicted of multiple historic sexual offences, including the rape and sexual assault of a child, following a police investigation spanning over two decades.
Newhouse Academy bans skirts for good as furious parents slam 'woke' uniform overhaul

A Heywood academy has confirmed it will press ahead with changes to its school uniform policy that will require all students to wear trousers from September 2025.
Full list of tram disruption

More disruption is coming to the Metrolink tram network this summer in a £147m upgrade programme.
Night buses to connect Rochdale and Bury with Manchester as Bee Network expands

Two new night bus services will connect Rochdale, Middleton and Bury with Manchester, part of a wider Bee Network upgrade to reverse decades of transport decline and bring 90% of Greater Manchester within five minutes of frequent public transport by 2030.
Young musicians shine at Rochdale Music Service’s Summer Sizzler concert

Middleton Arena came alive this afternoon, Sunday, 13 July, as young performers from across the borough took to the stage for the Rochdale Music Service’s Summer Sizzler concert.
Teen and man in 20s arrested after horror crash near Slattocks

Two young men are in hospital with serious injuries after a crash near the Slattocks roundabout in the early hours of Sunday morning. Police say both are under arrest on suspicion of vehicle theft and other driving offences.
Four ‘XL Bully’ dogs seized after Bury man hospitalised in suspected dog attack

A man has been taken to hospital and four dogs seized by police following a suspected attack in Bury this afternoon.
Vikings, brass bands and summer fun at this year’s Littleborough Rushbearing Festival

Hundreds of people came out to celebrate the Littleborough Rushbearing Festival on Saturday, with sunshine, music and dancing filling Hare Hill Park.
First weekend of Oasis Heaton Park gigs sees over 100,000 fans and just 15 arrests

Greater Manchester Police has praised fans for their behaviour during the first weekend of Oasis concerts at Heaton Park, which saw just 15 arrests across two nights attended by more than 100,000 people.
First Oasis gig at Heaton Park ends safely despite arrests and drone breaches

Greater Manchester Police confirm no serious incidents at first of five concerts
Old pub could be converted into new flats

A pub in Newhey could soon be transformed into flats following a decline in customers.