Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White has praised Grandpa Greene's Luxury Ice Cream from Saddleworth with a two-word verdict after trying their ice cream at Old Trafford during a Manchester United match against Crystal Palace on March 1, 2026. The ice cream business, which operates parlours on Ward Lane in Diggle and at King George V Park in Uppermill, shared that Pierre White described their ice cream as 'deliciously good' when asked for his opinion. The chef particularly praised their 'classic Old Fashioned White' flavour, noting it celebrates the quality of milk used as the base for their products. Grandpa Greene's expressed gratitude for the endorsement, stating such moments make their hard work worthwhile.
Oldham-based HMPasties, a social enterprise employing former offenders, has won the Best Pasty award at the 2026 British Pie Awards for its Traditional Pasty. The company beat 47 other entries in the Pasty category with its classic beef and vegetable pasty. The awards, now in their 18th year, featured 26 categories and were judged by a record 187 judges including food writers, supermarket buyers, and 2015 Supreme Champion Neil Broomfield. Matthew O'Callaghan, chairman of the Mowbray Pork Pie Association, praised the win as highlighting the skill and community spirit of UK pie makers.
Nonnas, a popular Stalybridge cafe with a 4.9-star Google rating, is opening a new location in Greenfield on Chew Valley Road. The venue will open for a soft launch on Sunday, March 8, before permanently opening on Wednesday, March 11. The cafe will serve coffee, deli foods, wine, beer, and cocktails, with alcohol service beginning at the end of April. Owner Anthony Zazzarino announced the spring 2026 opening, aiming to offer something unique to Saddleworth while maintaining the warm, intimate atmosphere of the original location.
Adina Foey, 34, has opened Manes Hair and Beauty salon on Thomas Street in Lees after running her hair extension business from her bedroom for 18 months. The salon launched on February 28 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by family and friends. Foey and co-owner Jack Ford renovated the former salon premises in three weeks after getting the keys on February 1. The business now employs eight hairdressers and beauticians, including Holly Ditchfield from Married at First Sight 2024, offering hair, aesthetics, brows and lashes. Customers have given positive feedback, with walk-ins already coming in during the first week.
Popeyes is opening its first Oldham restaurant tomorrow at 11am at Elk Mill Shopping Park, taking over the former Pizza Hut building. The Louisiana-style fried chicken chain is offering launch day giveaways including free deluxe chicken sandwiches for a year to the first four customers, merchandise to the first 50, and free sandwiches to the first 100. This is Popeyes' sixth UK opening of 2026 and fifth restaurant in Greater Manchester, following recent openings in Bolton and upcoming locations at Piccadilly Station and Trafford Retail Park. The halal-certified chicken is marinated for 12 hours in Louisiana seasoning before being hand-breaded and battered.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is seeking commercial partnerships to maximise reach across the transport network. The organisation offers advertising assets, sponsorship opportunities, and filming locations to generate revenue that supports the Bee Network, invests in zero-emission buses, and keeps fares affordable. TfGM has partnered with organisations including the BBC, Manchester City Football Club, and Manchester Pride. The portfolio includes media channels, property rentals, and data services in partnership with Greater Manchester Police. TfGM aims to commercialise assets while promoting Greater Manchester and creating social impact through brand partnerships.
Heyside Plastics, based in Royton, Oldham, has partnered with University of Salford robotics student Enoch Adediran for a three-month digital transformation internship. The 28-year-old student worked hands-on in production environments, applying automation concepts and digital tools to real-world manufacturing challenges. The internship was delivered through Made Smarter North West, a government-backed programme supporting SME manufacturers with digital transformation. Business executive Garreth Brown said Enoch helped fill a vital skills gap and fast-tracked the company's digital roadmap. Since 2019, Made Smarter has supported over 2,500 manufacturers across the North West with digital advice, technology adoption, and funded projects.
A new Starbucks drive-through has opened in the Tesco Chadderton car park, built in an underutilised section of the parking area. The store, which received planning permission in March last year, operates alongside a drive-through Greggs. This is the third drive-through Starbucks in the borough, joining locations at Elk Mill Retail Park and Manchester Road in Chadderton. The store opened on February 13 and has created 15 new jobs. Customers have praised the bright and airy interior, with two Google reviews highlighting the clean, comfortable atmosphere and friendly staff. The combined Starbucks and Greggs stores provide 41 dedicated parking spaces within the Tesco car park.
Popeyes is set to open its Oldham restaurant at Elk Mill Retail Park on February 27, 2026, in the former Pizza Hut building. The Louisiana-style chicken chain has reclad the building in blue, orange and white brand colours and installed signage visible from Broadway. The restaurant will offer dine-in and takeaway options featuring halal-certified chicken marinated for 12 hours in Louisiana seasoning. First-day customers can win prizes including free deluxe chicken sandwiches for a year, with the first 50 receiving exclusive merchandise and the first 100 getting a free sandwich. The opening follows successful launches in Greater Manchester, with CEO Tom Crowley noting strong regional demand.
A new Lidl supermarket has officially opened at Hollinwood Junction in Oldham, creating up to 40 full-time equivalent jobs. The store was opened by Mayor of Oldham Cllr Arooj Shah alongside pupils from Hollinwood Academy. The £25 million regeneration project at Hollinwood Junction, led by Langtree in partnership with Oldham Council, is due for completion in Summer 2026 and will deliver around 720 jobs. The development includes Costa Coffee and a Euro Garage, with plans for 2,000 new homes in Oldham town centre and a revamped Spindles market.