Hillsborough welcomed a new bar to its community over the weekend — as it formally started operations in the prominent former home of another popular bar.

The Rookery officially opened to customers on Friday at 115 West Margaret Lane. The business is the latest venture of B.J. Patel, who is also behind the restaurant Nomad just one block north in Hillsborough and the Indian cuisine restaurant Viceroy in Durham.

Patel, his wife Smita and other investors swooped in to lease the space last July, after the Hot Tin Roof permanently closed in April following a decade of business. In a conversation with 97.9 The Hill, Patel described the opportunity to lease the space as good timing for him and his partners — and an opportunity to continue adding to the downtown business scene after seeing spots like Hot Tin Roof shut down and other places weather the COVID-19 pandemic.

“To be able to be part of the Hillsborough community… I’ve lived here for the past five or six years now and we just love it,” he said. “The fact that we’re able to invest into our own community, it’s what we’re here for.”

Aiming to create “a place to nest” with loved ones, The Rookery brings a lighter atmosphere as a garden bar and gathering space with a focus on its cocktail menu. The business’ website also promotes it as an event space that patrons can reserve, while also featuring more outdoor seating for fire pits and plants. Some groups have already used The Rookery for events during the bar’s soft opening, and the business hopes to take advantage of Hillsborough’s growing reputation as a destination for weddings and receptions.

Patel describing the bar’s interior as “about 80-85%” finished based on his vision for the space. The building’s exterior and outdoor seating, though, has many additions to come, with Patel saying the garden portion of the bar will begin to take shape in March. For now, the venue is not serving food and has limited kitchen space — but the proximity to its sister restaurant Nomad means guests can scan QR codes around the bar and have meals delivered to Margaret Lane. Patel added that, eventually, The Rookery may have its own bar bites to offer, while offering their own “international flair.”

The interior of The Rookery provides a glimpse into the Patels’ vision for the space, as it’s the most completed part of the renovation at 115 West Margaret Lane.

The owner added that he asks patrons to be patient as the bar continues to find its footing in the early days, while also urging the Hillsborough community to share its opinions on what they wish to see from a “family-friendly” bar.

“This is a very small, close-knit community where we definitely listen to our [patrons],” said Patel. “We love when people interact with us, give us their input and tell us what they would like to see.”

The Rookery’s hours are currently 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

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