The Old Bulls Head pub on Rochdale Road in Shaw, run by David and Andrea Smith since 2024, has implemented a unique 'no technology' rule banning phones and laptops. Despite being described as 'old fashioned' by Andrea Smith, 57, the pub is attracting young people and couples who appreciate its social atmosphere where customers make new friends. The pub, part of Samuel Smith's Brewery, offers activities including pool, darts, weekly quizzes, and special event nights. Taddy's lager is the most popular drink, though a stout is receiving praise as better than Guinness. The pub recently moved its pool table to a larger tap room to enhance sociability.
The Park Inn pub on Buckstones Road in Shaw, Oldham, has a new landlord Steve Hastie who took over in September 2026. The 45-year-old previously worked in pubs and as a delivery driver. Hastie plans summer renovations including new decor, pool table, and darts board with camera. The pub attracts diverse customers including walkers from nearby Crompton Moor, couples, and pool players. Food service will continue with a new chef focusing on traditional pub fare at good prices. The pub currently serves Timothy Taylor's Golden Best and various lagers, with Carling being most popular. Hastie acknowledges the challenging pub industry but aims to maintain The Park Inn as a community hub.
Jodie Bennett has taken over the Three Crowns pub in Saddleworth, announcing her new role on social media on March 2, 2026. The pub had been listed as needing new landlords since September 2025, with previous owners leaving in January 2026. Bennett's announcement received over 100 comments and was shared more than 250 times, with locals offering advice and wishing her success. She previously worked at The Old School BBQ bus and plans to transform the venue into a family-friendly community hub rather than a traditional pub. Local residents have expressed hopes for reasonably priced food, children's menus, and a return to the welcoming atmosphere when former landlord Ray ran the establishment.
Park Cake Bakeries in Hathershaw, Oldham, operates a factory shop selling M&S treats at discounted prices. The shop, open six days weekly, offers items like mini Colin cakes (£2 for 530g), chocolate orange mini rolls (£2), cornflake cakes (£1), and wonky Colin cakes (£1). A reporter visited on a Tuesday morning, spending £7.70 on various baked goods. The 90-year-old bakery supplies M&S and has plans to expand by demolishing a former pub.
The Haggate pub in Royton has been taken over by Jamielee Conway and her daughter Shauna, along with Jamielee's husband Matthew, since October last year. The family-run pub has become a community hub offering themed nights including tapas, football, and family movie afternoons. They serve homemade pub classics like pies, burgers, and breakfasts, with Manchester Pale Ale as their best-selling beer. The pub hosts regular events such as Sunday bingo, quiz nights, and Grand National days. Despite industry challenges with rising costs, the team maintains affordable deals like Pie & Pint specials and keeps the traditional pub feel while adding new events.
The Tandle Hill Tavern, a pub near Oldham on Thornham Lane, has issued a public statement defending its staff against 'rude' and 'intimidating' customers. The pub addressed complaints about muddy floors, explaining that 98% of customers bring mud in from the surrounding countryside. They also responded to a one-star Google review about a pre-booked table that was originally for two people but was booked on their busiest day. The pub clarified they can only seat 35 people in the main room and 10 in the snug area, and that dogs are welcome with healthy treats available. The statement emphasized they are 'not the Ritz' but a 'proper old fashioned British pub' and that 'it's not to everyone's taste and that's ok.'
The Angel Inn in Lees has addressed confusion about its future after landlords announced they will leave in May. The pub will reduce hours to Thursday-Sunday until then, but is not closing or becoming a house in multiple occupation. Landlords cited rising costs and pressure as reasons for departure, inviting customers to a farewell party on May 30.