New Oldham pub set to close a week after opening because of lockdown

The landlady of Oldham‘s newest pub has spoken of the “devastation” the latest covid lockdown has wreaked on her business.

Michelle Riley and her husband Chris opened the Fox and Pine at the corner of Greaves Street to widespread acclaim only last Thursday (October 29). 

But the Government’s announcement of a complete lockdown on pubs as part of the latest restrictions means the distraught couple will shut up shop on Wednesday just seven days after their launch.

Michelle, who has spent months working on plans for the exciting two tier premises, said: “I’m still in a state of shock.

“We have spent more than £35,000 on planning, designing and furnishing the pub we are still trying to work out just what the closure means in financial terms. 

“We opened with a marvellous number of customers paying us great compliments about and the quality of beers, food and service.

“It was very gratifying and we we were delighted all our efforts over the months had been appreciated. 

“Oldham Council have been marvellous with their support for our venture and everyone in the community welcomed the Fox and Pine.

"It was seen as an exciting additional asset to the town centre.

"We complied in every way with the Covid regulations.

“However, we will not be put off and we’re now looking forward hopefully to the pub reopening early December.” 

The speciality beer bar seats 54 customers, offers a broad selection of real ales, ciders, speciality craft beers and a state-of-the-art gin mixer tap.

Covid-secure precautions include an intercom service for customers to ‘buzz’ the bar to place a table service order.

The system also allow customers to interact with other tables.

The pub is named after Michelle’s Leicester City birthplace (Fox) and Oldham Athletics’ original team name (Pine - Pine Villa).

Michelle also runs the hugely successful Cob and Coal micro bar in Tommyfield Market, recently crowned Cider Pub of the Year by the Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch of CAMRA.

CAMRA branch chairman, Peter Alexander, said: “Michelle and Chris, both committed licensees, have moved heaven and earth to open the Fox and Pine - a much-needed addition to Oldham town centre. 

“The pub, with a great choice for the beer drinker, is a delight.

"I know the effort they put  to make the pub Covid safe, so this lockdown is a blow to them. 

“I know too they will come back stronger than ever when allowed to do so and Oldham beer drinkers eagerly await that day."

The Fox and Pine menu includes a variety of Mediterranean, cheese and Ploughman boards and a ‘Duck-a-Muffin’ which comes with mushy peas. 

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