Oldham pub The Park Inn gets new landlord with big renovation plans

The Park Inn on Buckstones Road in Shaw has a new landlord with big plans for the popular pub. Steve Hastie, 45, took over in September after working in pubs across Greater Manchester and as a delivery driver. The pub, known for attracting walkers from nearby Crompton Moor, now has a fresh vision under his leadership.

Hastie says what makes The Park Inn special is its diverse clientele-from couples and pool players to dog walkers who've been up the moor. 'There's a good mix of people,' he explains. 'The lads who play pool all like a laugh and a joke, you get couples, and because there's a walking route, we get people coming in with a lot of dogs, so there's something for everyone.

This summer, the pub will undergo a full renovation including new decor, a new pool table, and a darts board with camera. The food offering continues with a new chef focusing on traditional pub fare at good prices. While Timothy Taylor's Golden Best remains on tap, Hastie is looking to expand the real ale selection alongside popular lagers like Carling.

The pub industry faces tough times with rising costs and squeezed household budgets, but Hastie is determined to keep The Park Inn as a community hub. 'It's hard when people have less money, they can't afford luxuries when they've got a lot of bills to pay,' he admits. His goal is simple: maintain a welcoming space where all sorts of people can enjoy a pint and traditional pub grub.