Oldham: Landlady announces 'sad' departure from LGBTQ+ pub

Terri Fox and David Morgan have run The George Tavern pub for the past five years.

In the relatively short time, the pub has gone on to stand as a safe space and pillar in the LGBQT+ community, with many Oldham Pride events and celebrations taking place under its roof.

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Now, they have announced "it is time to bid farewell" to their "beloved" George as family commitments take priority.

Terri and David said they feel sad to leave (Image: Terri Fox)

Speaking to The Oldham Times, Terri said the decision has been a "very sad" one as The George "is not just another pub, it's the centre of the LGBT community".

She continued: "We've built it from basically being very rundown and from nothing to what it is today and I do feel it is partly David, myself and our entertainment team and staff that have made it into what it is.

"We have created something special.

"I think it'd be very difficult to replicate, to be truthful."

However, Terri said her mother's health has deteriorated over the past year and that she "comes first".

The George Tavern hosts regular drag nights and is popular around pride month (Image: Terri Fox)

In the announcement on social media, she said her mum has been battling the "terrible dreaded disease" Alzheimer's for some time and the pair have been taking care of her every day.

Terri added: "Gradually, over the past 12 months it has taken its toll and gotten worse.

"Unfortunately, it's now becoming unfair and unsettling for her with all the loud music and general noise that comes along with living above a venue.

"And the commitment we have to give to the pub itself, we cannot designate enough time to my mum so it's extremely sad, but it's a fact of life.

"At the end of the day, my mum has to come first."

The pair have run the show for five years but are looking forward to their next chaper (Image: Terri Fox)

The pub is currently on the market and the pair said they don't have a set leaving date as of yet but have promised a "massive farewell" party to be scheduled over the course of their last weekend.

Terri added: "Then we will raise a glass and say goodbye to this wonderful chapter in Oldham.

"This isn't the end for us, but the start of something new, stability and care for my mum and hopefully something new and exciting in the not-so-near future.

"Watch this space!" 

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.