Oldham pub welcomes landlords who got married at venue

The Tandle Hill Tavern on Thornham Lane has had 28 landlords preserve the history of the popular drinking spot to date.

The old country pub, nestled between Royton's Tandle Hills Country Park and dairy farms, was taken over by JW Lees in 1850 though it is assumed the pub stood in the community for many years before and could be much older.

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When the former landlord, John, announced he was retiring from his post after 11 years of service, Nat and Dale Tunnacliffe were keen to take over and continue its legacy - and step in as the pub's 29th and 30th caretakers.

Nat said she has worked in pubs and kitchens "pretty much my whole life" and while Dale owns and runs Maximum Power Muay Thaiboxing on Wright Street in Oldham, the couple were drawn into The Tavern and made it their regular drinking spot over the last decade.

The pub is ideal for walkers, sitting next to Royton's Tandle Hills Country Park (Image: Nat Tunnacliffe)

Nat said: "Me and Dale have been drinking in there for about 10 years but have been proper regulars for the last three.

"When John announced he was retiring after 11 years there, I could not bear the thought of this little gem closing down.

"Everyone loves the pub - it's a proper traditional English country pub with real open fires, taxidermy animals, dark wooden beams and a man and a dog in every corner.

"The pub has so much charm and character, it's like stepping back in time."

The cosy pub is recognised by CAMRA as one of the best places for a pint (Image: Nat Tunnacliffe)

The couple love the pub so much that when they started searching for a wedding venue, it dawned on them that they ought to have it in "our favourite place, with our favourite people" and decided to tie the knot there in August this year.

The Tunnacliffes aren't the only ones running the place either as the public house has been the haunting spot of the resident ghost, Jane, who the pair consider "the real gaffer".

Nat continued: "Every local knows the story of Jane the ghost who has been causing mischief there.

"I've seen Jane swinging things about and she's been known to throw glasses and shelves and photo frames across the room.

"She's the wife of one of the first recorded landlords - she died in the cellar.

"We've got an album about the history of the pub and the last landlord spent years researching it.

"Pubs like this really don't exist anymore and it's so important to keep that part of our heritage alive for future generations to enjoy."

The pub is dog-friendly with dog treats in abundance and Casper and Rosie at the ready with a warm greeting (Image: Nat Tunnacliffe)

Aside from a potential run-in with Jane, the pub has also been recognised as a top spot for a pint.

The Tandle Hill Tavern was one of a handful of selected pubs in the borough to feature in the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide 2024 and even has its own specially made brew, Bumpy Lane, named after the lane.

The tavern is the only venue in the world to serve this popular pint.

The happy couple formally took over the pub as of November 20 this year and said they have already been "well received" by regulars.

They also hinted at "lots" of new and exciting plans and things that they'll be introducing, including locally sourced homemade food by Grandma Maddens Kitchen and a "one-stop dog shop" that is already packed with dog snacks and "gorgeous" handmade leads by one of their regular customers.

Mrs Tunnacliffe added: "We really hope the local community support us in keeping our quicky little pub going."

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