Angel Inn Lees pub closing confusion HMO Oldham

The Angel Inn in Lees has been forced to clarify its situation after confusion spread about whether the popular pub was closing down and being converted into flats. The pub's landlords announced earlier this month they would be leaving in May, reducing opening hours to Thursday through Sunday until then, and inviting customers to a farewell party on May 30.

In a Facebook post, the landlords addressed rumours that the building was becoming a house in multiple occupation (HMO), stating clearly: 'The pub will be taken over by someone else-but like any business, it needs continued support from the community to thrive.' They urged locals to keep visiting, warning: 'If you don't want to see it lost altogether, now is the time to show up, use it, and support it.

The landlords described facing 'unbelievably tough' conditions with 'constant' rises in prices, taxes, and bills, saying they'd endured 'sleepless nights' over decisions about the pub's future. The Angel has been a community hub for karaoke nights, quiz competitions, football match screenings, and countless memories over the years.

While new owners will take over after May, the pub's future depends on whether locals continue to support it through these reduced hours. The confusion appears to have stemmed from the announcement of the landlords' departure combined with the temporary reduction in opening times, leading some to believe the pub was already closed or being redeveloped.