ONE OF Saddleworth’s oldest pubs may have four new faces at its helm but history and tradition will be the recipe to success, believe the new landlords.
Becks Cockburn, from Uppermill, Craig Wilkes, of Delph, Dave Devine and Sharon Tourish have taken over the Cross Keys Inn, in Uppermill, as Angie and Billy O’Reilly move to The Diggle Hotel.
And determined to stick with tradition, the team, with Dave and Sharon as landlord and landlady while Becks and Craig work fulltime, are already working with Saddleworth Historical Society to maintain the 1763 inn’s distinctive character.
Craig said: “It’s such a unique and welcoming pub and that’s the way we want to keep it. The history is phenomenal.
“The only room we have changed is what was the Red Room to give it a bit of a modern twist. But we’ve not changed anything else, just freshened it up and tidied up the beer garden.
Sharon, originally from County Donegal, added: “It’s a little gem. We’re not going to turn it into a Sky Sports and pool bar and there won’t be any fruit machines.”
The historic inn, which celebrates its 250th birthday this year, boasts large fireplaces, wooden roof beams and antique furniture – but high speed free Wi-Fi ensures customers are not completely in the dark ages.
While the pub’s interior might not be changing, the menu has been extended to include vegan and gluten-free options alongside traditional country pub food.
Dave, who has been running pubs in Rochdale with his mum for 11 years, will lend a helping hand in the kitchen, which is run by head chef Jeannette Harker.
And plans are already underway for a Cross Keys Inn bitter which will join the CAMRA pub’s five other casks ales.
A summer family fun day, themed nights and wine tasting events are also being lined up, and group meetings of the Folk Club, Barn Howlers and Oldham Mountain Rescue will continue as before.
Find out more about the Cross Keys Inn on their website www.crosskeysinn.co.uk, follow them on Facebook and Twitter, email info@crosskeysinn.co.uk or ring 01457 874626.
The Cross Keys Inn is hosting a launch weekend on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21, July with varying events on both days. For more details check the website closer to the time.
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