Look inside new Oldham KFC open despite sinkhole threat

Located on Manchester Road, the KFC is part of a complex alongside Oldham’s newest Starbucks drive-thru on the site of the former Bowling Green Inn pub.

In October, plans for the Starbucks and KFC to open this month were put into doubt after a sinkhole was said to have appeared on the highway.

The seating area is small (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

However, it appears that any problems were overcome, with the restaurant opening on Monday, December 11.

From the outside, the KFC looks like any other. However, once inside you are overcome by the very small size.

There is seating, but it’s clear this location hasn’t been designed for people to spend any decent amount of time in – further reinforced by the touchscreen ordering terminals only offering an option to ‘takeaway’ – with no ‘eat in’ option.

The terminal only offers a 'takeaway' option (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

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Inside, I chatted to one customer, Chris, who was wary of using the electronic terminals to order – despite a keen personal interest in blockchain and cryptocurrency technology himself.

Driving past on his way to his work, Chris said: “It’s nice and clean, I’m just not in to all the automated tills. Apart from that, it’s good.”

Chris noted that he usually tries to avoid using self-service tills in the hope it will save jobs, but was forced to on this occasion after failing to get served in the queue.

At first, I ordered just the ‘Signature Fries’ (£1.79) through the terminal, wanting to try out KFC’s latest recipe change which was introduced in October.

Three screens are available to place an order (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

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After waiting for just over six minutes, I decided to order one of the restaurant’s vegan burgers (£5.49) as well. When I was handed the burger without any sign of my fries, I asked the staff who quickly helped me get them – even though it had taken about 10 minutes to get some fries.

The staff in the restaurant seemed quite busy with drive-thru and delivery orders, which appears to be the location’s focus.

The seating area is small (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

The food was as expected for KFC, and I couldn’t fault the quality. A toilet, free WiFi, and phone charging was also available for customers, despite the restaurant’s small size.

KFC also advertises that it offers baby bottle and food warming facilities upon request.

Covered cycle parking was also available outside the restaurant’s entrance, as well as a designated disabled car parking space. 

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Oldham. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk or click to send me a message on WhatsApp or on Signal on 07517566383.