Fears for Grade II-listed pub's future after closure
The Royal Oak on Oldham’s Union Street opened in 1825, extended in 1872 before being refitted in 1929.
The pub announced on social media: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that the Royal Oak will close its doors on the 24th November.
“This is out of our control as the owners have decided to sell the building to someone who approached them. This is without offering it up for sale to anyone else.”
Concerned for building's future
It does not know what the plans are for the building.
The pub is Grade II-listed, and staff are concerned for the building’s future. Its Facebook page will now focus on saving the heritage of the building.
Punters took to the comments to express their sadness. One said: “Fond memories of Tommy Jackson and his family and the support they gave to the Oldham Lions and Leos alongside the greater community. Sadly another pub may now bite the dust in the Oldham area.”
Another added: “Hi Dave, extremely sorry to hear the sad news pal.”
Licensees optimistic
This comes after data revealed some 200 pubs closed their doors in the first three months of 2023.
Price Bailey also revealed 620 pubs in England, Scotland and Wales entered insolvency in the past 12 months – a 68% increase compared to the previous year’s figures (369).
Separate data commissioned by Price Bailey from National Statistics showed optimism among licensees was on the rise despite the surge in business failures.
More than a third (35%) of British pubs reported turnover was rising rather than falling (16%) – an improvement on six months ago when 7% reported rising turnover against 58% stating takings were down.
