Oldham's pub scene went through a huge transformation last year as a handful of landlords left the trade entirely while many more pubs closed up the shutters for the final time.

The cost of living crisis has taken its toll and for those working in the food and drinks industry, the financial climate made it almost impossible for many to stay afloat.

So, here are some of the pubs and landlords we said goodbye to in 2023.

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The Royal Oak, Union Street

This iconic town centre public house, which was renowned for its folk nights and quirky character, closed in November last year.

The then-landlord, David Sweeney, said the pub would no longer be serving pints after the building was sold in a shock announcement to customers.

However, the future of the premises remains uncertain to this day.

Despite its Grade-II listed status, loyal customers and staff fear it could fall into disrepair and have built a campaign to "save" its heritage.

They say they are "concerned for the future of the building".

Mr Sweeney, who was the landlord for 16 years, also said it was a "real community pub" and described it as a "shame" to see it close down.

The Coach and Horses, Huddersfield Road

The Coach and Horses pub in Waterhead bid its final farewell in April last year after bosses cited "unsustainable costs and dwindling numbers".

The owner, Lesley, said she had an "exciting" and "beautiful" 13 years at the pub.

Residents mourned the loss and described it as the "end of an era".

The Springbank, Hunt Lane

Sue and Steve Rutter, who ran The Springbank for more than 25 years, made a sudden announcement late last year that the pair would be stepping down - and called "time", for the last time, on November 26.

They said the premises would be going up for sale while they enjoyed the next chapter of their retirement.

However, the Rutters also said the decision had been a long time coming.

The family wrote on social media: "The pub trade is a dying breed now".

The Snipe Inn, Henshaw Street

Although this town centre pub has been vacant for some time, planning documents reveal the building's long-standing 130-year history as a pub is far from over.

An application was submitted towards the end of last year to demolish the building to make way for a new "vibrant" path into Oldham town centre.

The Royal Oak, Manchester Road

Werneth's "last pub" has stood vacant ever since landlord Darren McShane-Syddall announced his departure in 2022.

He said running a pub was a "time-consuming business" and it left "little time for private life".

However, despite hopes a new landlord would take the reigns, a planning application was approved last year to turn the vacant building into an 11-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO).

Customers have been mourning the loss, describing the pub as a "serious community asset".

It is also believed the pub opened sometime around 1824 - meaning it almost reached its 200th birthday.

Harry's Bar, Yorkshire Street

Although not quite a pub, and bosses have been tight-lipped about the suspected closure, customers claim Harry's Bar staged its final night on December 31.

Fears emerged late last year that the venue would be closing for good with staff told to leave in a matter of weeks.

However, the bar has not shared anything official and has not responded to concerns when asked by The Oldham Times.

Which pub would you like to see reopen? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook.

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.