An award-winning Royton pub that has become an important part of the local community in recent years, thanks to its thriving kitchen and “the best set of regulars”, is our Pub of the Week.
The Halfway House’s ‘rags to riches’ story began seven years ago when landlord Vinnie Caira took over the reins and completely refurbished it.
Eight months later, his daughter Vikki joined the team as restaurant manager and since then it has gone “from strength to strength”.
The 49-year-old told The Oldham Times: “When I first started there, it was me and one other girl working in the daytime and now we've got up to 12 staff in a daytime, in the kitchen and out front.”
The pub’s success has also been recognised by its brewery JW Lees, which named it Pub of the Year in 2022, and, more recently, the Charity Champion award in 2025.
Vikki said that the pub’s growth is all down to the support of its regulars, and one of her favourite parts of the job is seeing new customers returning and becoming part of the community.
Adding a personal touch to service is something Vikki, her dad, and bar manager Jack Prince instil in their staff, even during training, encouraging them to be on a first-name basis with customers and know their drink orders.
She said: “It’s more than just serving food and drinks. It’s hearing the happy news — engagements, new jobs, birthdays — and sometimes being there for the harder moments too.
"The sad stories, the tough days, the quiet chats and a little natter . People always say I don’t stop talking but it’s because I care.
“The Halfway House isn’t just a pub. It’s a small community, a place where people come together.”
Staff are also very much part of the family at the Halfway House, Vikki said. Another favourite part of the job is helping young staff take their first steps into working life.
She added: “It’s really lovely to see because we see them grow from school, working through all the A-levels, university and then go off into the chosen career. That's all been really special as well.”
One of the main aspects that has helped the pub succeed in what is an increasingly difficult landscape for the pub industry is the kitchen, which has been led for the last few years by head chef Connor Thwaite with help from sous chef Sam Pal.
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They specialise in the “pub classics”, including pies and fish and chips and roast dinners, as well as weekend specials that bring a “twist” to the menu.
Vikki said: “The kitchen team is so fantastic now and it's just constant compliments on food. It shows in our bookings, as well, you really must have a reservation to get a table.”
The Halfway House also strives to help the local community with regular fundraisers for Dr Kershaw’s, raising more than £10,000 for the hospice.
It also hosts weekly Friends to You meetings on Tuesdays, where people who are feeling lonely or “just want a bit of natter” can get together.
The group now has around 20 members and the Halfway House team even recently helped celebrate the marriage of two members who met via the initiative.
Vikki said that the pub also hosts other community events for special occasions, like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.
Summertime is also a busy time at the pub, thanks to its recently renovated beer garden.
Looking towards this summer, Vikki said the pub is gearing up for the World Cup, which will be shown on screens inside and outside.
The Halfway House, located on Rochdale Road, is open 12-9pm daily. More information can be found on their social media pages and website.
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