Still here for the beer — after 200 years

MANY happy returns . . . toasting 200 years of the Angel Inn

REGULARS at one of Royton’s oldest pubs raised a glass or two to celebrate its 200th birthday.

The Angel Inn was built on the new Rochdale turnpike road, now Shaw Road, in a area which later became known as the hamlet Luzley Brook.

Isaac Clegg is believed to have opened the pub which he ran with his wife Sarah for at least 20 years.

The chief constable’s report of 1890 said the inn was “in good condition” with accommodation for one traveller.

Former star wrestler Marty Jones is the current landlord and celebrated the double centenary with entertainment, a bonfire and fireworks display. He said: “The inn was on the car park originally and at one time it was a coaching house to the Lion Mill at the back.”

He said that the pub trade was being hit by the recession but added: “We are hoping that this pub will still be going in another 200 years.

“It is a good community pub and was the first to get the Oldham Pubsafe award.

“It’s like a pub should be.”