We’re pumping up the takings

Cheers . . . landlady Gail Evans (left) and her daughter-in-law Lisa Mellor

TWO Oldham landlords have bucked the national trend and more than doubled last year’s takings just days after it was announced 16 Oldham pubs have thrown in the towel.

Gail Evans and Terrence Bennett of the Lowerhouse Inn, Derker Street have increased sales by 200 per cent, despite the credit crunch, since taking on the pub in July, 2007.

And they have been recognised by pub company Admiral Taverns as two of its best performing publicans.

But days ago, the Chronicle reported how MPs demanded urgent action to Save the Great British Pub, after alarming figures revealed nine have been lost in Oldham East and Saddleworth and seven in Oldham West and Royton.

Big hikes in alcohol tax were blamed for the closures, although cut-price drink in supermarkets, extra costs to tackle binge drinking, greedy pub companies and the smoking ban were also pinpointed.

But Gail said money invested in their pub’s refurbishment and children’s activities helped them achieve success, and she is now encouraging others to look at taking on a pub.

She added: “We wanted to focus on creating a family-friendly pub so we host a lot of children’s parties and activity days. We’ve also set up football, pool and darts teams to ensure regular trade and have invested money in the pub’s refurbishment, which has helped to attract new customers.

“We couldn’t have achieved such success without a good team behind the bar and the support from Admiral Taverns.”

David Littler, business development manager for Admiral Taverns, said: “Gail and Terrence are great role models.

“There are vacant venues that offer fantastic opportunities for people like Gail and Terrence who have a lot of charisma and drive.”

Pubs available in Oldham include the Brewery Tavern on George Street, the Church on Bardsley Street and the Royal Hotel on Lees Road.

For more information about running a pub, contact Admiral Taverns’ recruitment team on 0845 070 8950 or visit www.admiraltaverns.com