Oldham pubs fighting back 18 months on after first Covid lockdown

Coronavirus cases increased daily as the government delivered TV briefings from Downing Street and spoke about the threat of Covid-19.

Three days later on March 23, Mr Johnson extended the restrictions, telling people to “stay at home” apart than for a few “essential” reasons.

Eighteen months on, Oldham pubs have faced multiple lockdowns, having to open and shut their doors, causing disruptions for staff and customers throughout the period.

After the first lockdown in March last year, boozers were not allowed to reopen until July 2020 with restrictions in place.

Stricter rules were imposed in Greater Manchester later that month as infection rates rose.

In August last year, the Eat Out to Help Out scheme was rolled out in which diners at hospitality spots including pubs were given a 50 per cent food discount.

Government data found 148 restaurants in Oldham took part in the government scheme last summer, claiming back a total of £1,912,000 with the average amount claimed per borough outlet hitting £12,900. Figures show 312,000 meals were discounted in Oldham.

Another lockdown was introduced in November last year in a bid to contain the virus in which pubs were forced to shut again.

A further blow was struck in January when cases rose rapidly and the number of coronavirus-related deaths reached heartbreaking figures.

This year has witnessed a phased reopening of pubs from May.

blow: Pubs have faced multiple lockdowns in the last 18 months

Stuart and Kay Thurston have run the Highfield Inn on Ripponden Road in Moorside for around four years.

Mr Thurston said: “It’s been a horrendous time. If we would have known about what was going to happen at the start we probably would have thrown in the towel.

“The first lockdown was not too bad because we had the weather and after doing 365 days a year it was nice to have a bit of a break.

“We were a ‘wet’ pub but we spent a fortune on the kitchen so we could reopen and we put on a proper menu but then we had to close within a week. That was tough and it felt like we had thrown money away.

“Earlier this year was pretty bad as well when we were stuck in.”

After The UEFA European Football Championship this summer, when restrictions had been lifted, Stuart and Kay both tested positive with Covid-19 and the pub had to be closed with a deep clean taking place. The pub was shut shortly afterwards when owner Punch Taverns gave it a facelift.

But its regulars have been glad to see live music being staged again, a return to normality.

Mike Robinson, vice-chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale’s (CAMRA) Oldham, Rochdale and Bury branch, has spoken about the testing period.

He said: “It’s been a very difficult time for pubs but we are pleased with how they have been doing although we have had a few casualties.

“Most pubs are up and running although some have had to serve a more limited range of beers.

“Pubs have been very resilient and the licensees deserve credit for that.

“We have had some real success stories as well. The Cob and Coal (in Tommyfield Market) won our branch’s best pub of the year and the best cider pub of the year.

“The Fox and Pine on Firth Street has had 10 real ales and six real ciders, which is a real success story too.”

CHEERS: Michelle and Chris Riley, who run the Cob and Coal

Mr Robinson is looking forward to the Oldham Beer and Cider Festival next year, which is set to take place at The Queen Elizabeth Hall on April 1 and 2 after the event was not possible to be held the last couple of times due to restrictions.