The story
The White Hart Inn Lydgate in Oldham delivers award-winning Modern British cooking that has earned a 2 Rosette recognition from the AA for culinary excellence. Their kitchen team prepares sophisticated dishes alongside beloved pub classics, applying subtle tweaks to recipes built on exceptional local ingredients. You will find elevated British cuisine that respects the region’s agricultural heritage while maintaining a relaxed, approachable pace.
Charles Brierley purchased the freehold in June 1994 and completely renovated a building originally raised by John Buckley in 1788. This sturdy Saddleworth structure previously served as a police station, a schoolhouse, and a weaver’s cottage before becoming a World War II lookout point with cellar bomb shelters. The management preserved those original architectural features while creating multiple distinct dining spaces across the site.
Sitting literally at the top of the hill, the brasserie areas offer sweeping vistas across the surrounding countryside. Guests gather around log-burning stoves and coal fires in the Barn Room, Old Tap Room, and main Dining Room, surrounded by familiar framed pictures and comfortable seating. The atmosphere remains distinctly unpretentious, balancing the warmth of a traditional village inn with the polish expected of a destination gastropub.
The bar maintains an extensive wine list designed to complement their seasonal menus, supported by a steady rotation of cask ales and craft beers. A dedicated gin collection caters to enthusiasts who appreciate botanical variety, while the dessert menu provides a structured finale to the evening meal. Every element of the beverage program aims to pair seamlessly with the kitchen’s regional cooking philosophy.
Recognition
Ambience
Location