Award-winning pub to close its doors in just weeks after six years as landlord says it’ll be ‘missed by many’

A POPULAR pub will call last orders in just weeks as landlords have announced its shock closure.

After six years, the award-winning venue will close its doors at the end of the month.

2

2

The Cob and Coal in Tommyfield Market, Oldham, will close its doors on June 1 with the final trading day on Saturday, May 31.

The shock announcement was made on social media last week by landlord Chris Riley.

In a Facebook post, he said: “It’s with great sadness to announce the Cob and Coal, Tommyfield Market, will close its doors on 1 June.

“We won’t be moving into the New Market development, but we are very proud of what the Cob and Coal achieved in its six years.

“We have Rochdale, Oldham and Bury CAMRA pub of the year.

“Greater Manchester CAMRA Pub of the Year and R.O.B Cider pub of the year, twice and it was shortlisted for We Love Manchester pub of the year.”

The Tommyfield market hall will be closed after 240 years after the local council approved plans earlier this year.

The demolition is planned for the summer and traders will be moving to a newly built venue next to Spindles Shopping Centre, but the Cob and Coal won’t be joining them.

Citing the reasons for the closure, Chris said: “We’re closing before the actual market closes for a number of reasons.

“The license is due for renewal as is the insurance, broadband etc.

“There’s no point renewing when the market is closing sometime in the summer.”

He added: “I’m sure it will be missed by many.

“Watch this space as it might reappear in some for or another.”

Landlord Chris Riley is also the landlord of the multi-award winning Fox and Pine in Oldham town centre, which is run with his wife Michelle.

The Cob and Coal was the original headquarters for the Isolation Inn Facebook group which the couple launched during lockdown.

The group had a huge 40,000 followers on the social media platform at the time.

Punters flocked to the comments to show their appreciation for the venue following the announcement.

One comment said: “Gutted to hear this, I hope you will be in a position to make a re-emergence somewhere down the line.

“Such a shame to hear this is happening.”

Another commenter added: “We’ve had some great Saturdays in that place, met many new people as well as connecting with acquaintances who have become good friends because of the Cob and Coal.

“End of a thoroughly fantastic era!”