Oldhamers gearing up for a return to the pub - albeit outdoors for now

There is plenty of eagerness and anticipation in the air as Oldham gears up for the next vital stage 2 of coronavirus restrictions being lifted from this coming Monday (April 12).

Lockdown restrictions are set to ease, allowing many businesses to re-open, including all retail, personal care and particularly outdoor hospitality.

Gyms and spas can reopen, as can theme parks, libraries and community centres.

Lots of Oldhamers will be looking to take advantage from Monday as pubs and restaurants will be allowed to serve food and alcohol to customers sitting outdoors.

One of the main breweries serving our town is JW Lees.

In total about one third of managed JW Lees pubs are opening on Monday – and below is a list of those:

·         Boat and Horses in Chadderton

·         Millgate in Failsworth

·         Rose of Lancaster in Chadderton

·         Lancashire Fold in Middleton

Pubs in the area included in the JW Lees Pub Partnership are (it’s worth contacting these pubs individually to find out opening times):

·         Angel Inn,

·         Tommyfield,

·         Rifle Range Inn,

·         Woodhouse Gardens

·         Bears Paw,

·         Bridge Inn Sale,

·         Charlestown,

·         Crown & Shuttle Inn,

·         Hark to Dandler,

·         Horton Arms,

·         Morning Star Inn,

·         Travellers Call.

Other pubs/bars set to open on Monday include the Secret Sip in Royton, the Springvale in Chadderton, the Britannia and the White Hart on Hollins Road, the Railway in Greenfield and the Daisyfield Inn on Keb Lane in Bardsley.

Again, it will probably be worth checking opening times before heading out.

The two Wetherspoon pubs in Oldham - the Up Steps in the town centre and the Shay Wake in Shaw - are to remain closed until stage 3 of the restrictions are eased on May 17, but the Regal Moon in Rochdale, the Ash Tree in Ashton and the Society Rooms in Stalybridge will be open next week.

Those three pubs will be open from 9am to 9pm (Sunday to Thursday inclusive) and 9am to 10pm (Friday and Saturday).

They will offer a slightly reduced menu, to include breakfast, burgers, pizza, deli deals, fish and chips and British classics.

Food will be available from 9am to 8pm seven days a week.

Customers will be able to order and pay through the Wetherspoon app.

However, staff will be able to take orders and payment at the table from those who don’t have the app.

The pubs will not be operating a booking system.

One popular pub with outdoor space that has decided to remain closed for the time being is The Colliers in Chadderton.

Licensee David Mowbray said: "After talking to various people (including staff, the council and Punch Pubs our landlord) about re-opening next week when we would be allowed outside only, and after careful consideration (weather, heating cost, staff costs etc), we have decided to remain closed rather than open half heartedly on Monday.

"If we re-opened then the bills etc all go back to normal and the small percentage of business we would achieve would not cover them.

"So the sensible thing for us is to wait until May 17 when hopefully the weather will be better."

Meanwhile, Oldham Community Leisure’s leisure centres, including the gym and swimming, will also be able to reopen on Monday, with indoor exercise classes and sports returning on May 17.

OCL’s Chief Executive, Stuart Lockwood, said: “We are delighted to soon be reopening our doors to the community, we know it’s been a long time coming!

"The Government’s COVID-19 roadmap is an ever-flexible schedule and we are naturally prepared for changes, but we remain hopeful for these restart dates and that this time we’ll be back for good.”

Pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues can seat customers indoors from May 17, the same date that international travel looks set to resume.

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