An Oldham town centre pub is set to close down in the coming weeks, it has been confirmed.

The Royal Oak, on Union Street, is a three-storeyed-brick building, with the structure itself having stood since the mid-19th century. However the pub is now due to close down before the end of the year.

David Sweeney, the landlord of the Royal Oak, said the pub is likely to close its doors in December after it was sold by previous owners Inglenook Inns to new owners.

Inglenook Inns confirmed to The Oldham Times that they had sold the Royal Oak.

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Hannah Wood, who redecorated the pub through her business Primer Donnas during lockdown and handles the pub's communications, has said everything will be done to protect the interior of the pub.

She said the building received a Grade II listing in 2018, which covers both the exterior and interior of the structure, including the bricks, tiles and wooden staircase.

Mr Sweeney, who has been the landlord at the pub for 16 years, said: "This is a real community pub and it's a real shame it's closing down."

Along with serving pints to customers, the pub has served as the meeting space for 13 groups in the area.

Amongst those 13 are the Oldham branch of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, or 'Buffs' for short, who meet at least three times a week, as well as the Royal British Legion's Oldham branch.

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Mr Sweeney said other groups use the pub to hold meetings due to its large pub room upstairs, which used to be popular for wedding celebrations.

But the landlord said he does not know where the groups will now go to hold their meetings.

Mr Sweeney added that there was no plans for any party or events at the pub ahead of the closing of its doors.