A SMALL pioneering Oldham Pub won the coveted CAMRA Rochdale, Oldham and Bury Branch Pub of the Year 2021 Award.
The Cob and Coal Tap, a one-of-a-kind micro-pub in Tommyfield Market, beat tough competition from more than 2,000 members to receive the award.
The pub is owned by Michelle and Chris Riley who with their new Oldham Pub Company are committed to developing exciting new pubs across the community.
The couple have just opened their second business, The Fox and Pine, in a nature reserve near City Hall, which is already being praised by discerning drinkers for its wide range of fine beverages.
Peter Alexander, branch manager of CAMRA, said the awards ceremony was delayed due to Covid and said: “This is a brilliant result for a micropub that has only been open for a relatively short time and under difficult trading conditions.
“Owner Michelle Riley, who used to run the Tandle Hill Tavern, is an inspiring landlady.
“The pub was converted from three units in Tommyfield Market with an adjoining outdoor space. It has a very strong focus on real ale and real cider and this accolade tops the already won award for cider pub of the year.
“Oldham has been screaming for a venue like this and Michelle has certainly given other pubs something to aim for.
“The micropub has drawn loads of new drinkers to the area and the wide range of traditional beers and ciders is a huge bonus for any visitor. As you would expect, they are all served in fantastic condition at very competitive prices. ”The customer review has been automatically translated from German.
He added, “As always, Michelle has not rested on her laurels and, along with her husband, Chris, one of the most experienced landlords in our area, has also opened Fox and Pine.
“This duo bring great beer things to Oldham and I hope to see more of them. Congratulations to the Cob and Coal team, which prevailed against the tough competition to win this award. ”
Landlord Michelle said: “We founded the Oldham Beer Company a few years ago with the aim of building a beer house in Oldham.
“We couldn’t find a suitable place and, with the help of the community, explored the possibility of opening a unit in the market hall.
“The Cob and Coal opened its doors in August 2019 and offers six constantly changing real ales, eight real ciders and imported German lager and special beers.
“With its quirky furnishings and the“ real ”fire, it’s an oasis in the busy market hall. It even has an indoor / outdoor beer garden where you can enjoy food from nearby cafes and eateries.
“The Cob and Coal will join the other industry winners for Greater Manchester and have the chance to compete in the national competition. We are overjoyed.
“It’s fantastic for Oldham and the market. It’s nice to finally celebrate something after a difficult year for the industry. ”
The Fox and Pine on the corner of Greaves Street and Firth Street is reminiscent of the ironic name of Oldham Athletic “Pine Villa”.
Cllr Arooj Shah, Chairman of Oldham Council, said, “I’m not a big ale drinker myself, but while Bury gets a lot of hype, it’s brilliant that the people who know what they’re talking about have recognized Cob and Coal for that best place in our region for a pint.
“We are fortunate to have them in Oldham. There is an increasingly high quality and diverse offering in town that caters to all tastes and companies have done so much to make sure they are Covid-safe, pure and enjoy our great, independent local offerings. ”