Gin Gin Bar in Oldham owner explains his sad decision to close

Gin Gin Bar on Milnrow Road has been up and running in Shaw since March 2019, and has successfully battled through the post-pandemic storm and cost-of-living crisis.

Residents consider the bar their go-to venue for its enormously popular karaoke nights and, of course, its gin as the premises has more than 100 gins on offer to choose from.

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The bar serves up more than 100 different gins (Image: Gin Gin Bar)

However, the owner, Martyn Finnagan said the bar will be closing next Saturday (April 13), just weeks after hitting its fifth anniversary.

Speaking to The Oldham Times, Martyn said he came to the "devastating" decision for personal reasons.

He explained: "The reason I'm closing it is not because it's quiet or anything - last night it was absolutely rammed and it was rammed before Easter - but I've got another business that's being a bit neglected and I'm doing seven days a week.

"It's absolutely killing me. It's not like a nine-to-five job with my own business.

"So it's not to do with Covid, it's not a case of that, it's that I just can't do it anymore. I've done it for five years.

Gin Gin is also renowned as one of the best karaoke bars in town (Image: Gin Gin)

"It's such a shame, but I haven't got it in me anymore. I'm worn out.

"It's really very sad for me, but I've got to think of my own health."

The property is currently for sale with an asking price starting from £149,500 on the Breakey & Nuttall property website.

The father-of-two hopes that a buyer will take over the venue and continue its legacy as a bar for the people of Shaw.

He continued: "I can't just get a manager in because if something goes wrong, like the electrics or glass cleaning machine, every bar has that and it does happen, but I can't just lump all this onto a manager.

Martyn has poured his heart and soul into the bar to make it what it is (Image: Gin Gin)

"But I am hoping someone else will carry it on as it is, a great bar in Shaw.

"The sale includes the building, the bar fittings and everything.

"I want it go as a bar really because I've put so much effort into it, I've spent a fortune upgrading it, it's got a stainless steel bar, it's a really, really nice bar.

"We completely gutted the building and it was such a big upheaval to do that and then we diversified it and reinvented the whole concept of it after Covid with the karaoke system.

"We spent a fortune on that with top-of-the-range speakers and mixers and even the microphones - it's a really good system.

"It really took off."

The director added: "It would be so sad if it never opened again, I'd be so sad really."

In the interim, Martyn said the bar will be available as a private function room for karaoke events and parties with bookings of at least 20 people and a minimum spend per head.

Loyal customers also say they are devastated by the news, with many calling it a "sad day for Shaw" and crowning the bar as "the best" and "one of the very few lovely bars in Shaw".

The bar will remain open for private parties and bookings until it is sold (Image: Gin Gin)

Taking to social media, Migdalia Summers said: "I'm really sad to see you close. I love Gin Gin, it's so popular and I've had so many happy nights there where everyone's happy, singing together. It's just the best atmosphere.

"I hope you get your doors open now and then for special occasions.

"All the best Martyn, we're really going to miss your little corner of happiness."

Liane Booth also wrote: "Sad news. A cracking bar that offered something different in Shaw."

Gary Davies also said: "Sorry to hear this Martyn. A sad day for Shaw.

"It needs more bars like yours always did."

Meanwhile, others said they had some "great karaoke nights" as one reveller wrote: "Gutted but I've had some of the best nights here, especially the Germany singing!

"Martyn, you did amazing with this place."

Amanda Hesbrook also said: "You gave it your best shot. Had great karaoke nights."

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.