NHS community hero takes over popular pub following huge £300k revamp

'I knew I was ready for an exciting, new challenge'

A popular Tameside pub has reopened to the public following a huge makeover of more than a quarter of a million pounds - and with a new landlady who has spent a decade and a half in the NHS.

The Royal Oak, which is located on Nook Lane in Ashton-under-Lyne, has received a £300,000 transformation with a more spacious and open plan setting, including new furniture, flooring, fixtures and fittings.

The revamp of the pub, which is part of the Proper Pubs brand, has also seen the outdoor beer garden - which seats around 30 people - given an uplift with new wooden benches and a new pergola.

The pub’s existing games area has also been revamped with a brand new pool table and dart board. Across the venue, the pub boasts five television screens, which will regularly screen the likes of Sky Sports, TNT and horse racing channels.

The pub will now be led by Naomi Pinder, who has spent the last 15 years working in various roles within the NHS. The move marks a welcome return to the hospitality industry for Naomi, having previously helped her family run their own community pub.

"I’m absolutely thrilled to be taking over The Royal Oak,” Naomi said. “I can’t wait to open our doors to welcome everyone in and show off the pub’s fantastic new look and everything it has to offer.

“Having been raised in the local area, and spent many years working in pubs with my family, when I saw that The Royal Oak was available I knew I was ready for an exciting, new challenge and leapt at the chance to take it over. This is an incredibly exciting new chapter for me and I look forward to all that’s come!”

The Royal Oak officially reopened with a special opening party on Thursday (April 17), in time for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, with DJs and live music from local artist Dee Dee Allen.

Music and live entertainment will form part of the regular calendar of events at the venue, with live music, DJ sets, karaoke and quiz nights taking place each week. There will also be a number of local community initiatives, including supporting local foodbanks, children’s wards, cancer support services and fundraising for a defibrillator to be installed at the pub.

Throughout the week, the pub will offer a wide range of drinks promotions, including Wine Wednesday, where customers can get £2 off a bottle and Fizz Friday, offering customers a bottle of fizz for £10.

Matthew Gurney, Operations Director for Proper Pubs, said: “I am delighted to welcome our brand new operator to The Royal Oak and it’s been a pleasure working so closely with her to bring the vision for this fantastic community pub to life.

“I’m confident that the operator’s hands-on experience within the hospitality industry, combined with her local knowledge and passion for the community will enable her to create a thriving social hub where residents can come together.

“On behalf of myself and the entire Proper Pubs team, we’re so excited to have her on board and we wish her the very best of luck with the reopening!”

The Royal Oak is on Nook Lane, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 9HN.