It’s an “end of an era” for many residents in Chadderton who have been reacting to the news that the Whitegate Inn is set to close as part of a nationwide shake‑up of Beefeater restaurants.
Whitbread, which also owns Premier Inn and Brewers Fayre, announced the closure of the chain’s remaining Beefeater restaurants as part of the company’s shift towards becoming a more hotel-focused business.
Dominic Paul, Whitbread’s chief executive, said: "We plan to convert all our remaining branded restaurants to an integrated food and beverage offer that is preferred by our hotel guests and will unlock the addition of more highly profitable extension rooms.
"Our continued efforts to drive our commercial plan and efficiencies will extend our market-leading position and allow us to take share from our competitors, many of which are struggling to grow."
The company has cited rising running costs, including tax changes announced in the 2025 budget, as the reasons for the shift in strategy.
Whitbread said revenues for the year to February 2026 were flat, while its share price has fallen by around 20 per cent over the past six months.
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In response to news of the Beefeater closures, residents in Oldham have been sharing their memories of the Chadderton pub and restaurant, with many people sad to see it go.
Brenda Walsh said: “End of an era, first started work there November 1977 then on and off for 30 years. Met my now ex-husband but made some amazing life friends at the Whitegate.”
Paula Louise Pearson said: “My grandad played bowls here back in the day and we’ve had many a family celebration here. This is such a shame and leaves this area with virtually nowhere to go. When I was a child, Hollinwood Avenue and Broadway had excellent shops, the area has just lost so much.”
Several people have commented specifically about the breakfasts at Beefeater Chadderton, with one person calling it “the best breakfast in Oldham”.
At the same time, some residents have said that the pub is “not like it used to be” and welcomed the change.
Nichola Jackson said: “Used to be a great pub about 15 years ago, they let it go to rack and ruin, they weren't arsed about it. It’ll be better as an extended Premier Inn.”
Ann Wash said: “It's sad it's been there a long time. But sadly not like it used to be it depends what the owners are doing with it but, since I was at school in the 60s, it's always been a pub. It's a shame as long as it's not turned into anything else.”
Martin James said: “Great pub back in the day. It’s pointless staying open midweek as a pub with no custom. Personally a decent food offering not Wetherspoons type s**** would do ok evenings and weekends. People will pay for decent food. Last time I went in I was given a dried up pie covered by gravy and walked out, left it. It was basically Wetherspoons but double the price.”
Will you be sad to see it go? Share your memories of the pub in the comment section below
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