A company which runs two bars and restaurants in Oldham has made a shock announcement that both premises have closed with immediate effect due to 'financial difficulties'.

Milan Bar in Lees on Elliot Street and The Bank, Delph, on King Street in Saddleworth have been run by Pennine Dining Limited for several years.

However, in two separate statements posted to social media, bosses cited "uncertain times" in the trade as well as financial pressures during the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis as reasons why the business has ceased operating.

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The statement read: "It is with a heavy heart that we announce the immediate closure of Milan Bar.

"We have had a wonderful 14 years serving the local community with some fabulous memories along the way.

"We want to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts for the warmth, love and support you have bestowed upon us during this time.

"Hospitality is facing uncertain times. Despite busy trading weeks, the decision to close is borne out of the continued financial difficulties caused by Covid, increased energy costs, the cost of living crisis and price increases from all our suppliers that we have had to bear the brunt of for the last three years."

The bosses added: "We would like to say a wider thank you to all staff members, past and present, who helped us on the journey.

"If you are reading this and thinking yet another hospitality venue has closed, please consider venturing out to support our independent restaurants and bars in the Lees Village and wider area, because without you there is no hospitality.

"For others who couldn't care less, that is fine too, but behind the business there is a ripple effect to those looking forward to future events, staff who are facing redundancy, supplies who lose trade and business owners facing a very uncertain future.

"We know there will be many questions and we will attempt to answer as many as we possibly can, however, we are also in a period of grief for the loss of the place we have called for this time, so we would appreciate some respect for our privacy whilst we process everything and go through the procedure of winding everything up.

"In the meantime, anyone who has an event booked with us will have to source a new venue and we will be in touch regarding report claims in due course, alternatively you can email us.

"We have been privileged to be such an integral part of the Lees Village community and we will dearly miss seeing all of you on a regular basis."

The Bank Delph posted a similar statement and reflected on a "wonderful six years serving Delph". 

The company also owns other restaurants, including Char Steakhouse and Bank Chambers in Newhey, Rochdale, which have also released announcements to close.

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