The Blue Belle Bar and Restaurant is becoming an Irish-themed pub called Murphy’s Bar.

Adorned with a turquoise colour and silhouettes of shamrocks and a leprechaun, not everyone is happy with the changing face of this Royton landmark.

The pub, located at 180 Rochdale Road, is set for its grand opening on Saturday, October 8, with a night of live music from performer Ryan Ireland.

Orginally known as the Travellers Rest, this Royton bar is located on Rochdale Road.

However, many residents were unhappy upon seeing the pub’s newly-painted exterior.

The Oldham Times: As it looked in 2020As it looked in 2020 (Image: Google)

Commenting on the Royton Community Hub Facebook group, resident Lynn Jaquest said: “Much as I love turquoise, it’s one of my favourite colours, it’s wrong for this pub.”

Resident Dave Dalton commented: "Always be the Travellers to the Roytoners, but even so...why's it not green…"

Ellie Hulston was more cutting in her comment – saying: "If it wasn’t an eyesore before it sure as hell is now."

Commenter Lauren Rachelle tagged a local painting business and said: "You need to get involved and sort that paint job."

Mark Taylor commented: "Should be painted shamrock green not turquoise."

Michael Crompton said: "One to avoid now…"

However, not everyone was so worried about the colour.

Emma Whitty said: "It looks a lot better now it isn’t purple."

Leila Twiggy said: "Looks brilliant."

The Oldham Times: The bar is set to open on Saturday, October 8.The bar is set to open on Saturday, October 8. (Image: Imogen Clyde-Smith, Newsquest)

In July, The Oldham Times reported on the loss of a dozen pubs in Oldham since the pandemic began.

Last month, six of the UK’s largest pub and brewing companies urged the government to act to prevent more damage to the sector.

And this week, Wetherspoon announced it would be putting 32 of its pubs up for sale.

It was maybe because of the worrying news for pubs that Corona Newton commented: “Jeez people moaning about the wrong colour it's an eye sore etc...at least it's still a pub that's staying open. Be grateful.”

Commenter Jack Butterworth agreed, adding: “Wouldn't be as bad if they gave the place a chance to open.

“Pubs are going down like flies and at least they are making the effort to do something different. Anyway, I am part Paddy and like the music.”