Popular country pub announces shock closure amid 'tough times' for hospitality

A popular country pub in Oldham has announced it will close its doors later this month amid 'tough times' for hospitality.

The Black Ladd, a rural pub on Buckstones Road in Shaw, close to Greater Manchester's border with Yorkshire, will close to customers on Monday, March 18. The team announced the 'sad news' on Facebook.

The pub, which serves up traditional food and is also well-known for its eating challenges, has faced 'tough' times since the Covid pandemic, the post said. 'Astronomical energy prices, increased supplier costs and fewer customers during the weekdays due to the financial climate' were listed as some of the reasons for its closure.

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In a post on the Black Ladd Facebook page, the team said: "SAD NEWS. As you all know times have been tough for the hospitality trade since COVID and we have had to contend with astronomical energy prices, increased supplier costs and fewer customers during the weekdays due to the financial climate.

"It is with great sadness that we have to inform you, our fantastic customers, that we will be closing our doors on Monday 18th March. It would be great to see you before we close, and if anyone has a gift voucher, these will need to be redeemed before the 18th.

"So, if you need that last fix of our popular pea and ham soup or cheese and onion pie, there is still time to make your booking. The team would love to see you one last time to say goodbye. The Black Ladd Team."

The announcement comes after Sacha Lord issued a stark warning following a number of closure announcements in the hospitality industry in recent weeks. The Warehouse Project and Parklife boss, who is also the Night Time Economy