IT has been a memorable end of year for the Puckersley Inn with yet another inclusion in the 2020 Good Beer Guide and a refurb by brewers JW Lees.
And it promises to get even better for regulars of the pub straddling the High Crompton-Royton border.
There is the return of the ever popular seasonal cask ale Plum Pudding and an invitation to join New Year’s Eve celebrations at no extra charge.
It would seem landlady Jessica Brady, who took over the pub in 2016, was earmarked for a career in the licencing trade.
She is a fourth generation landlady, with her mum, nana and great-nana all being landladies in their day.
Jessica says there will be no high-priced tickets for the Puckersley’s December 31 bash. In fact, there will be no admission charge at all.
“New Year’s Eve is my way of saying thank you to customers for supporting us all year round and it is also a great opportunity to welcome new customers,” explained Jessica.
“We have live entertainment, the bar is open until 1am and we are offering a complimentary buffet.”
Customers have also benefited from the arrival of new head chef Ian Harrison from the Puckersley’s sister pub, the Woodhouse Gardens, run by Jessica’s mum and stepdad.
“Ian was sous chef at the Woodhouse Gardens for more than 10 years,” added Jessica.
“But he has been keen to step up so when we needed a new head chef Ian was an obvious choice.
“Our menu has plenty of traditional home-cooked favourites like fish and chips, roast dinners and pies. But we also try to do a little more than just pub food with plenty of tempting alternatives and specials.”
And if you only want a drink the Puckersley has a wide range of soft drinks, wines, spirits and beers along with the four cask ales which have earned the hostelry a place in the drinkers’ bible for a fourth successive year.
“Obviously, it is an honour to be in the Good Beer Guide and it is also good for business,” said Jessica.
“There is a a group of CAMRA guys who tell us they come in not only because is it a nice pub with friendly staff and a lovely atmosphere but because the beer is really good and well kept.”
Jessica is also pleased with the internal makeover of the pub.
“We were only closed a couple of weeks but the brewery have done a great job and the results are amazing,” she said.
“We didn’t want to alter the traditional layout too much, consequently we have opened up part of the tap room to extend the lounge area.
“We have had new carpets, re-decoration and floors re-stained.
“The beer garden, which gets used all year round because of its fantastic views, has also had a fabulous makeover.”
Jessica laughed: “Running a pub is hard work and demanding.
“Being a 24/7 commitment, it more of a lifestyle choice than a job but it is also very rewarding and there is nothing else I would rather be doing.”
• The Puckersley is open for food Monday to Saturdays, 12noon until 9pm and until 8pm on Sundays.
Visit the Puckersley Inn at 22 Narrowgate Brow, Royton, Oldham, OL2 6YD.
Call them on 0161 652 2834 or find out more on Facebook.