A TINY trailblazing Oldham pub has won the coveted CAMRA Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch Pub of the Year 2021 award.

The Cob and Coal Tap, a unique micro pub in Tommyfield Market, beat off stiff competition from more than 2,000 members to claim the accolade.

The pub is owned by Michelle and Chris Riley, who, through their new Oldham Pub Company, are aiming to develop exciting new watering holes across the community.

The couple have just opened their second venture, The Fox and Pine in a conservation area near the Town Hall, which is already being praised by discerning drinkers for its wide range of distinguished drinks.

Peter Alexander, CAMRA’s branch chair, said the prized award was delayed due to covid, and declared: “ This is a brilliant result for a micropub which has only been open for a relatively short time and in difficult trading conditions.

“Owner Michelle Riley who was a previous winner when she ran the Tandle Hill Tavern, is an inspirational landlady.

“The pub is converted from three units in Tommyfield Market with an accompanying ‘outside’ space. It is very much focussed on real ale and real cider and this award tops the one already gained as our Cider Pub of the Year.

“Oldham has been crying out for such a venue and Michelle has certainly given other pubs something to aim at.

“The micropub has attracted many new drinkers to the area and the wide choice of traditional beers and ciders is a great bonus to any visitor. As you'd expect, all are served in fantastic condition at very competitive prices.”

He added: “Michelle, as always, hasn't rested on her laurels and along with her husband, Chris, one of the most experienced landlords in our area, has also opened the Fox and Pine.

“This duo are bring great beery things to Oldham and I hope to see even more from them. So heartiest congratulations to the Cob and Coal team, who have beaten off stiff competition to win this award.”

Landlady Michelle said: “We set up Oldham beer company a couple of years ago with the aim of setting up a beer house in Oldham.

“We couldn’t find a suitable spot so, with the help of the council, explored the possibility of opening a unit in the market hall.

“The Cob and Coal opened its doors in August 2019 offering six ever changing real ales, eight real ciders and imported German lager and speciality-bottled beer.

“With its quirky decor and “real” fire, it’s a haven in the bustling market hall. It even has an inside/ outside beer garden where you can enjoy food from nearby cafes and food outlets.

“The Cob and Coal will join the other branch winners for Greater Manchester with a chance to enter the national competition. We are over the moon.

“It’s fantastic for Oldham and market. It great to have something to celebrate at last after a difficult year for the trade.”

The Fox and Pine, on the corner Greaves Street and Firth Street, bears reference to the ironic name of Oldham Athletic “Pine Villa.”

Cllr Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: "I'm not a big ale drinker myself, but while Bury may get a lot of hype it's brilliant that the people who know what they're talking about have recognised the Cob and Coal as the best place in our region for a pint.

"We're lucky to have them in Oldham. There's an increasingly high quality, diverse offer in the town catering to all tastes, and businesses have done so much to make sure they're Covid safe, so I'd encourage anyone to come in and enjoy our great, independent local offer."