Oldham pubs nominated for Sacha Lord's £2,500 bar tab

The entrepreneur has said there will be “free drinks on me” on Sunday, May 3, for one lucky pub chosen by the public.

He has put a call-out on his social media pages asking for suggestions in a bid to raise awareness about the mounting pressures currently facing the UK pubs.

Lord has been a vocal supporter of the hospitality industry, both in his former role as Andy Burnham’s Night Time Economy Advisor and current role as Night Time Industries Association chair.

Announcing the event in a video posted to social media, he said: “You’ve probably heard me continuously talking about how bad things are right now in hospitality.

“Things are really, really severe – perhaps worse than they were during covid, when there was some support and it’s not just in Greater Manchester, it’s across the UK.

“My biggest concern out of everything is the loss of our pubs, our community pubs. Those pubs serve, for me, more than just a pint, they serve the community.”

He claims that 2,000 UK pubs have shut in the last five years, with 366 in the last year alone – which is an average of one a day.

Lord’s social media posts have received hundreds of comments from residents across Greater Manchester, including several Oldham-based suggestions.

Billy’s Bar in Failsworth appears to be a popular choice in the comment section underneath Lord's post.

Billy's Bar, Failsworth (Image: Billy's Bar)

David Phillips wrote on Facebook: “Billys Bar Failsworth is the best community pub in Failsworth. It caters for elderly people and has a coffee morning on Mondays with free coffee and snacks.

“Mark Cooney, family staff and friends have brought the community back together again. This is what a community pub is all about Sacha Lord.”

April Shields, who also mentioned the Willow Tavern in Failsworth, said: “These pubs are not just pubs, they are a community hub, places that bring families, community, friends together.”

She added: “These are places for those who want some alone time, yet surrounded by company should they need it, a safe place to be with friends and family and make precious memories.”

Another Failsworth pub, the Eight Bells, has also been nominated several times on Facebook.

Stacey Louise Booth said: “Our amazing team don’t just pull pints. Bar staff are so much more than that. They’re the friendly face that remembers your name and your usual.

“They’re the ones who notice when you’re a bit quieter than normal and check in. They celebrate your good days with you and help lift you through the harder ones.

“They keep the atmosphere warm, welcoming, and safe for everyone who walks through the door.”

Greater Manchester’s Night Time Economy Adviser, Sacha Lord, and Cllr Arooj Shah (Image: Oldham Council)

Reuben Redshaw said: “Definitely The Eight Bells in Failsworth! It’s so much more than a pub — it’s a safe space and a real family. Anyone who walks through the door is welcomed with open arms. You can go in on your own and end up dancing the night away with people you’ve only just met.”

The Railway in Chadderton is another local favourite.

Andy Birds said: “Manchester, no pubs even close. Derek is always there. Every pint spot on. Food spot on. Staff never leave. A proper pub where you chat and enjoy your pint and even the odd singer to create a proper get together.”

Sharon Hughes Cain said: “Without a doubt the best pub - great staff, atmosphere, beers and food.”

Some of the other Oldham pubs that have received mentions include the Dog and Partridge in Woodhouses, JÜCE Bar in Royton, the Hope and Anchor in Royton, The Sportsman in Chadderton and the Top House in Springhead.

To nominate your favourite Oldham, comment on the posts on Sacha Lord’s Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Nominations will be open until 2-4 days before May 3, when the winner will also be announced.

This is not the first time Lord has helped out local hospitality business. He has run similar events at the Briton’s Protection in Manchester city centre and the Thirsty Korean restaurant in Chorlton.