A HISTORIC 200-year old pub has announced that it will call last orders in just a few days time after being sold.
The Royal Oak pub in Oldham town centre it to close its doors on Friday, November 24.
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A statement on Facebook confirmed the closure. It read: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce that the Royal Oak will close its doors on November 24.
“This is out of our control as the owners have decided to sell the building.”
The pub is owned by Inglenook Inns, which operates more than 70 pubs across the North West, greater Manchester, the Midlands and Yorkshire.
The Sun has contacted Inglenook Inns for comment.
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The pub has a proud 200-year history and its building is Grade II-listed, meaning it is of special architectural or historic interest.
It has original features such as its polished mahogany and stained glass.
Many regulars took to social media to share their shock over the closure.
Commenting on Facebook, one punter said: “This is terrible news.”
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While another said: “Sad to see it go. I hope it doesn’t become another takeaway like The Star Inn pub did.”
A third wrote: “Aww it’s sad to see another one of my dad’s old locals go.
“Let’s hope it’s not left to rot like the rest of the graded buildings in Oldham.”
And a fourth who used to work at the pub said: “Such sad news. I worked at The Royal for several years and met some brilliant people. What great memories.”
Plus, a loyal customer posted: “One of my favourite boozers in Oldham and I always recommend people to go.”
It comes as a number of UK pubs close their doors for good amid a turbulent economic backdrop.
Inflation remains stubbornly high meaning households have less expendable cash to burn.
Increased energy and wage costs are piling further pressure on businesses.
Ten thousand pubs are at risk of closing if the sector is hit by a £1billion tax blow, hospitality chiefs have warned.
They say one in ten boozers could go out of business if the Chancellor fails to extend business rates relief in his Autumn Statement.
The grim alert comes as The Sun launches a Save Our Sups campaign to protect the great British boozer.
JD Wetherspoon, Greene King and Yates’s owner Stonegate are backing our calls.
They are joined by Young’s plus Fuller, Smith & Turner.
Retailers on the high street have been hit hard too.
Cath Kidston, Paperchase, M&Co and popular discounter Wilko have all crashed into administration this year.
Wilko has since announced plans to return to the high street, with branches in Plymouth, Exeter and Luton set to open within weeks.
On Monday, Paperchase reopened inside 250 Tesco supermarkets in June M&Co relaunched online.
A number of retailers have been opening branches as well as closing them too.
In July, B&M announced plans to open seven new branches in the UK over the following weeks.
Bargain discounter Poundland is taking on former Wilko sites as well.
And The Cornish Bakery said in September it would be looking to open five new stores over the following months.
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