Oldham’s Fox & Pine wins ‘Best Pub’ for Rochdale, Oldham, and Bury. Owners Chris & Michelle celebrate fourth win.
The pub is in Oldham town center. It won ‘Best Pub of the Year’ again for Rochdale, Oldham, and Bury for the fourth year in a row.
Chris and Michelle shared the news online and thanked their staff and customers. They feel very grateful for the win. The pub opened in 2020 and has been in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide since.
The pub will now be judged again. Representatives come from other branches to decide the Greater Manchester winner, who will be the CAMRA Pub of the Year for 2025.
Chris and Michelle run Fox & Pine, and they also run Cob and Coal at Tommyfield market. They feel very honored by the award.
The pub is located on Greaves Street behind the Lyceum Theatre building. They thanked their staff and local customers again, and might have a drink to celebrate the win.
Customers congratulated the owners with many saying the pub deserved the award. One wrote, “Best pub in the world!” Another praised the pub and their beers.
The building was a derelict house when Chris and Michelle bought the lease in 2020. They changed it into the pub it is today.
The pub is known for its real ales and has built a strong reputation. The atmosphere and staff help too. The bar is downstairs with seating, and upstairs, there are two rooms to enjoy.
Chris said experience matters because he and his wife have a lot. He managed his first pub in 1996. He worked for JW Lees for two years managing pubs when people were on holiday from North Wales to Manchester.
Chris worked for Wetherspoons for 18 years. He ran several pubs like The Saracens Head, The Apple and Pear, and The Regal Moon.
CAMRA started in 1971 to promote British real ale and cider. Pubs are important to UK heritage, and its national award is a very high honor.
The competition started in 1988 to find the best pub in the UK. It also showcases quality pubs to visit.
Members of the Rochdale branch vote, and choose three favorite pubs each year. One pub represents them in the regional event.
Chris and Michelle also run a golf club bar at Crompton and Royton Golf Club. The club opened in 1908. The golf course is near the Pennines. The club has a function room for events and offer a Sunday roast that both members and visitors can enjoy.