Royal Oak, Ashton-Under-Lyne

Michelle Ryan is looking for passionate operators who thrive at the heart of a true community pub. Ideally, we are seeking a dynamic individual or couple ready to fully immerse themselves in community life and build strong local relationships. The successful operator will deliver a fantastic rhythm of the week, with darts and pool teams playing a key role, while maximising the full paid-to-view sports offering to drive footfall and create a vibrant atmosphere throughout the week. We are looking for someone with strong commercial acumen, a proactive approach to marketing, and the ability to drive sales through great hospitality, events, and community engagement. You must be dedicated to championing our community-first ethos while consistently delivering outstanding hospitality and first-class operational standards. Being “big community people” is essential for this pub. We want operators who genuinely care about their local area, can build lasting relationships, and actively support community initiatives. Charity involvement is particularly important to us, and we would love to see examples of previous fundraising or community support projects to continue the success our current operators have had with their exceptional job supporting local causes.

Situated just two miles outside of the centre of Ashton-Under-Lyne, the Royal Oak sits on the main road of a residential area in Ashton with Ashton United F.C ground located behind the pub. Traditionally a mining town, Ashton is still driven by the community with plenty of houses and businesses surrounding the pub. Ashton under Lyne is a market town in Tameside, Great Manchester just six miles east of Manchester city centre. Benefitting from the football ground being a stone’s throw away the pub is well supported on match days.

Pub Layout

As customers enter the pub, they are welcomed into a bright and refreshed trading area, where the main bar servery is centrally positioned to efficiently service all areas of the business. The front trading space offers a warm and comfortable environment, complete with carpeted sections and fixed seating, creating the perfect setting for customers to relax, socialise, and enjoy the pub’s community atmosphere. Moving through the venue, customers are led into a dedicated sports area located towards the rear of the pub. This space features a pool table, modern darts setup, and multiple strategically placed TV screens, delivering an excellent live sports experience and creating a strong hub for local teams and sports enthusiasts alike. The pub continues out into the upgraded external trading area, which has been enhanced with new seating and flooring to provide an attractive outdoor space for customers to enjoy throughout the year. A sheltered seating area ensures comfort during colder months, while the external space also offers fantastic potential for community events, charity fundraising, and seasonal entertainment.

Private Accommodation

The private accommodation is accessed through the bar area and comprises of: Three double bedrooms, lounge, kitchen, and bathroom.

Security deposit: £2,000

No rent applicable on this agreement

This opportunity is for you to run your pub as a self-employed manager. Admiral Taverns take care of all the running costs including rates, utilities, stock, public liability and day to day running costs whilst you take home 18.5% of the net weekly sales, all employment costs relating to your staff and any council tax and TV licence for the residential quarters.

All new operators have comprehensive free training as part of their agreement.

• STRIVE- The Proper Pubs way. Held online over one day, you will learn marketing and business strategies that will help you to grow sales in your pub – step-by-step.
• E-Learning Training for you and your staff. Featuring more than 30 courses for both you and your staff, you’ll have access to a wide range of topics from Compliance, Health and Safety to Personal Development and Wellbeing.