An award-winning pub couple who have a plethora of CAMRA wins for their two sites in Oldham have taken on a new challenge.

Chris Riley and his wife Michelle, who own the Fox and Pine as well as Cob and Coal at Tommyfield market will now be in charge of hospitality at the Crompton and Royton Golf Club.

ALSO READ: Oldham's three-time 'pub of the year' with unique beers and sporting links

Chris has a long history with the golf club as his stepfather David Melling was the club’s golf professional for 38 years from 1972 to 2010.

He was also a member for 20 years from a junior joining in 1984 and junior captain in 1992. His mother, Linda, meanwhile, was the club’s social secretary and lady captain.

Michelle runs the Cob and Coal and provides home-cooked food at their three-time CAMRA pub of the year Fox and Pine in Greaves Street, Oldham.

Chris Riley at the golf club Chris Riley at the golf club (Image: Ken Bennett)

Chris said:” We can’t wait to get in and hopefully give golf members a bar and restaurant they’re proud of.

"We’re going to introduce real ale back into the club and will install more cask ale pumps using quality local brewers.

“And we plan to introduce a line of non-alcoholic beverages to support members and extend their choice of drinks."

ALSO READ: Award-winning Oldham pub adds old-fashioned favourite to menu

He added: “Michelle’s home-cooked food will be high on the menu.

"Just walking around the club today getting introduced to staff and members one member said he can’t wait to try one of Michelle’s homemade rag puddings which go down a treat in the Fox and Pine.

“It’s going to be an exciting time for our little family-run business and hopefully the current staff will enjoy working with us.”

He added: ”We’re going to open up the club again for Sunday lunches where non-members can book a table as well as putting on cabaret evenings during the winter.

"It is very early doors yet so let us get used to the surroundings and then watch this space.

“The club has a long brilliant history opening in 1908. We just hope we can give it a great future.”

ALSO READ: More than 10 Oldham pubs considered the best place for a pint in Good Beer Guide 2025

Announcing the appointment on behalf of the golf club board, Peter Bostock, house chairman, said: “The Oldham Beer Company, run by Chris and Michelle, have been in the hospitality industry for many years, most notably running establishment like the Regal Moon, Horton Arms and the Trandlehill Tavern.

“In recent years they own and manage the multi-award-winning Fox and Pine and the Cob and Coal in Oldham town centre. Chris and Michelle are excited to be joining the golf club and are looking forward to meeting you all soon.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped keep our bar and catering facilities open since April.”