Residents across Oldham have been left reeling over what they describe as a suffering nighttime economy in the borough as two more venues announce immediate closure.

On Wednesday (April 24), a family-run company which has been behind two popular bars and restaurants in Oldham for several years, as well as others in Rochdale, announced all of its premises closed its doors for the final time.

Pennine Dining Limited has run Milan Bar in Lees for 14 years as well as The Bank, Delph, in Saddleworth for six years and Char Steakhouse and Bank Chambers Newhey in Rochdale for 12.

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In statements posted across the venues' social media, bosses cited "uncertain times" in hospitality as well as overwhelming financial pressures, from the cost-of-living crisis and rocketing energy costs to the hangover of the pandemic.

The family suggested the last three years had been particularly tough and encouraged residents to support independent restaurants and bars in their local area to keep the industry afloat.

They added: "Without you, there is no hospitality.

"Behind the business there is a ripple effect to those looking forward to future events, staff who are facing redundancy, suppliers who lose trade and business owners facing a very uncertain future."

The move comes as several bars, restaurants and pubs have announced closure in recent weeks.

While the Bees Knees pub on Fairbottom Street is currently only temporarily closed for renovations, neighbouring Harry's Bar on Yorkshire Street mysteriously never opened again at the end of December last year.

In February, The Buck and Union on Union Street closed its doors, claiming the pandemic "started a change in people using pubs" followed by "soaring prices" which "didn't help us".

The Black Ladd pub in Shaw similarly said high rent and "extortionate" utility costs were behind its decision to close in March - and said it feared it wouldn't be "the only hospitality business that closes".

Also in Shaw, owner Martyn Finnagan revealed he was closing Gin Gin Bar on Milnrow Road in April for personal reasons.

However, he hopes a new owner will keep the bar's legacy alive.

Oldham's nightclub, Liquid and Envy on Retiro Street, also closed for a period in February though a new landlord stepped in to save it just weeks later in March.

Although residents are currently working hard to save the historic Royal Oak on Union Street, the Grade II listed pub stands empty and has been gutted of its interior since it closed its doors in November.

Throughout 2023, Oldham bid farewell to at least six pubs and bars.

Reacting to the latest loss of two bars in the borough, residents say they are "devastated" at the state of Oldham's nightlife.

Adam Conlon said he feared the economy in Oldham is "crumbling" while another asked: "What happened to saving Oldham nightlife?"

Meanwhile, Joanne Penman described the town centre as a "ghost town", writing: "It's such a shame for the thousands of residents that will fill the new homes that are being built. Who is actually going to be interested in living in a ghost town?"

Others were also sad to see Milan Bar and The Bank go as they praised the food and good atmosphere of the venues.

Lisa Normanton said: "How sad! The Bank is such a lovely little place" while Anne Townsend added: "The Bank was always busy when we went in."

Andrea Colley also said: "Such sad news. 

"A great family-run business who always worked their hardest and always gave their best.

"Good luck in whatever the future holds for them."

But many also slammed increasing costs for putting them off a night on the town as people "simply can't afford to eat or drink out" in the current climate.

Paul Morris said that the "price of beer is a joke" while Charlotte Smith said she preferred to drink at home since "pubs and clubs are just too expensive now".

The woman continued: "Some people are struggling to feed themselves and the ones that do have spare cash like myself would rather drink at home and have a takeaway as a treat instead.

"I'm too old for all that worrying about taxis and getting into fights etc. I have everything at home - wine in the fridge a clean toilet and a bed in the next room."

Alan Siddall agreed, adding: "It's going to keep happening until wholesale prices come down.

"At the end of the day, there is only so much people will pay for a pint, and clearly for Milan it has hit that limit."

What do you think about Oldham's nighttime economy? Let us know in the comments below or email me with your suggestions or story ideas Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk