The Oldham pub that people visit from counties away

Alistair Wolf has run The Horton Arms for just short of 10 years, and this week The Oldham Times is shining a light on it as Pub of the Week.

The 66-year-old and his wife, Debra, ran the pub for nine years before taking a short break and returning again in October 2025.

The Horton Arms, on Streetbridge in Chadderton, is a favourite among locals and visitors in the area.

Alistair and Debra Wolf, landlords of the Horton Arms (Image: The Horton Arms)

Asked about the history of the pub, Alistair said: "The pub has always been well known for home-cooked delicious food and to be a social hot spot for all generations.

"People travel far and wide to join us, having visitors come from as far as Staffordshire."

The bar in the pub (Image: The Horton Arms)

On what's particularly good about the pub, Alistair said: "The cosy atmosphere throughout, one you don’t get anywhere else.

"And of course, our special, famous pies!"

Asked what his favourite thing about running the pub is, he said: "I enjoy meeting all of my customers, enter as strangers, leave as friends.

The pub is described as 'cosy', with a fireplace to show it (Image: The Horton Arms)

"I also enjoy working with our exceptional team."

The pub landlord then guessed at what customers loved most, and said: "The delicious food has to be the most popular, being freshly home-cooked by our great team of chefs." 

Describing the pub's atmosphere in one word, Alistair said it was 'welcoming'.

The cheese and onion pie at the pub, which is particularly popular (Image: The Horton Arms)

On what food the pub offers, he said: "We serve a range of homemade food, including our famous pie 'The Big One', loved by all.

"Our cheese and onion pie is another extremely popular choice.

"We have a range of specials on a weekly basis, which are always a hit."

The landlord said that the best-selling beer is the JW Lees Original Lager, which he said is 'not only great value for money', but in his opinion, the best-tasting beer.

One of the homemade pies at The Horton Arms (Image: The Horton Arms)

Alistair said that he and his wife have had 'many memorable moments' but that a key highlight was winning Pub of the Year with JW Lees in 2014.

Addressing the challenges in the hospitality industry, Alistair said: "It’s always challenging in the industry, which keeps us on our toes, but that’s something we really enjoy.

"It helps us to keep improving and find new ways to make every visit a great experience for our customers."

Alistair and Debra Wolf, when they first had the pub (Image: The Horton Arms)

Finally, Alistair said: "I run the pub with my wife, Debra Wolf, and we’re really proud of what we’ve built here together.

"We’d love for anyone who hasn’t visited us yet to come in, see what we’re about and enjoy the atmosphere for themselves. "

The Horton Arms is rated 4.3 stars from 1,056 Google reviews, which hail the food as 'amazing' and the staff as 'lovely'.