Shock as popular Chadderton pub closes suddenly
Reporter: Charlotte Hall, Local Democracy Reporter
Date published: 04 July 2025
The Hunt Lane Tavern in Chadderton closed suddenly. Image courtesy of Google Maps
A pub in Chadderton has suddenly shut its doors as it searches for a new landlord to take over management.
The Hunt Lane Tavern on Middleton Road will be closed until further notice after the previous landlord surrendered his lease.
The news was shared on the pub’s Facebook page on Friday, July 4, with no prior warning.
The post reads: “The Hunt Lane Tavern is currently closed.
"We hope to re-let and reopen the site in the coming weeks and our new Pub Partner will then be able to welcome you and provide business updates.”
The J. W. Lees pub has been operating in Chadderton for more than two decades, and has seen a number of different pub landlords in that time.
Now the brewery is trying to attract a new partner to the Chadderton inn.
A link shared on the post promises a predicted turnover of around £550k a year at the ‘high quality community local’, with rent set at £22k per year plus VAT.
It has an extensive car park and beer garden, games area and dining facilities.
The pub also comes with a first floor private living area with two double bedrooms, a kitchen, bathroom and living room.
A J.W. Lees spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It was unfortunate that the previous operator had to surrender his position.
"It was for all the right reasons and it was the best thing to do.
“I’m sure the pub will reopen as a brilliant business, as it’s always been, before long and continue trading successfully.”
The spokesperson added he ‘could not comment’ on the position of current staff, as their contracts were linked to the current management, and advised employees to ‘seek their own advice’.
Interviews are reportedly already taking place for a new partner, with the pub predicted to be closed for just a few weeks.
Customers shared their dismay at the sudden closure and hoped the pub would be open again soon.
Rowena Philips comments on the post: “So sorry to read this, we’ve had some brilliant nights in there the past few years, and the festival last year was fantastic.”
The Veterans breakfast, which is usually held at the pub, has been relocated to The Greyhound Inn in Royton for July 26, according to the breakfast manager Eddy Hardaker.
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