Colin the Caterpillar bakery expands as Honeywell Arms pub demolished
The Honeywell Arms pub on Ashton Road is set to be demolished after Park Cake Limited received planning permission to expand its bakery grounds. The two-storey building has stood empty since September 2024 when the bakery bought it from Robinsons Brewery.
The pub struggled for years before closing, with town planners noting no investment in its appearance since 2008. A violent burglary in 2023 left the landlord's partner needing 15 stitches, with the couple later telling The Oldham Times they wanted to leave the area.
Oldham Council approved the demolition, saying the pub had suffered 'long-term decline' and that alternative pubs exist within a kilometre. Council officer Dave Richards said the demolition would remove 'a degraded, visually harmful structure' from a prominent location.
Park Cakes plans to use the land to improve traffic management and access safety at the major junction. The demolition will take place over two weeks with work restricted to 8am-6pm weekdays and 9am-1pm Saturdays to minimise disruption to nearby residents.
At a Glance
| What | Honeywell Arms pub to be demolished for Park Cake bakery expansion |
|---|---|
| Who | Park Cake Limited, Robinsons Brewery, former landlords Jack Dodd and partner |
| Where | 491 Ashton Road, Oldham, outside Park Cakes bakery |
| When | Demolition approved March 2026, to take place over two weeks |
| Why it matters | Removes derelict building, improves traffic safety, ends era for local pub |
| What's next | Park Cakes to improve traffic management and access safety at junction |
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