A POPULAR Uppermill restaurant which closed after 20 years in the village is taking another step towards its comeback as renovation work continues under its new owners.
Dinnerstone closed its doors in January after two decades on the Saddleworth dining scene, but plans were subsequently announced to bring the venue back to life.
The restaurant has been taken over by Muse Group, led by Rob Norbury, which also operates the nearby Farrars Arms in Grasscroft and Muse in Uppermill.
Now a first indication of when diners could be welcomed back has emerged.
Sharing photographs showing renovation work taking place inside the restaurant, Rob teased “Winter 2026” as the timeframe for Dinnerstone’s return.
The reopening will mark a new chapter for a restaurant which first opened in 2006 under local restaurateur Charles Brierley, who also owns The White Hart in Lydgate.
Dinnerstone established itself as a popular part of Saddleworth’s hospitality scene during its 20 years in business and was among the highest-rated restaurants in the wider Oldham borough on TripAdvisor before its closure.
Announcing his decision to step away in January, Charles described it as a difficult one but suggested it might not necessarily be the end for the venue.
He said at the time: “Not all good things come to an end, but unfortunately my time operating Dinnerstone has.
“However, that leaves an opportunity for someone else. Who knows what the future holds…”
That opportunity was subsequently taken up by Muse Group, with Charles saying he was pleased to see the restaurant given a new lease of life and was looking forward to its future.
For Rob, the acquisition further strengthens his group’s links with Saddleworth.
Before moving into the hospitality industry, he was known for playing Riley Costello in Hollyoaks from 2010 until 2012.
He later turned his attention to pubs and restaurants, taking on the Farrars Arms in Grasscroft in 2017.
Dinnerstone will become the fourth venue in the Muse Group portfolio when it reopens, alongside the Farrars Arms, Muse and The Annex.
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