Steve Coogan shares charming note with his old local pub as it reopens in Rochdale

Steve Coogan has celebrated the return of his old local pub in Rochdale as it reopens for business after a major makeover.

The Roebuck in Alkrington, Middleton, has recently been taken over by Joseph Holt after several years operating as Thornberries.

But residents in the local area voted strongly in favour that the local boozer be renamed back to its original name – a decision that Steve Coogan himself is also a fan of.

The pub was the star’s favourite back in his younger years (the Alan Partridge star was raised in this neck of the woods.

In a charming note shared with the new owners, he said that he remembered it as being ‘full of bleach blonde perms and deep tans… and that was just the fellas!’.

He’s also promised to ‘pop in for a pint’ soon.

The Roebuck has consolidated its reputation as a ‘people’s pub’ with the name change, as voted for by locals in the area.

Its extensive renovation by Joseph Holt brewery has included a new wraparound bar, a stunning beer garden, a private function room, live TVs showing sporting events, and a sizeable food menu – but promises to remain a community pub.

Steve Coogan said in a message to the pub: “Good luck to the Roebuck. One of my locals in the 80s.

“It used to be full of bleach blonde perms and deep tans…and that was just the fellas!

“Glad it’s going it be a local again for the local community. I’ll be sure to pop in for a pint soon. Best, Steve.”

Mark Norbury, Joseph Holt Pub Director said:  “We are absolutely thrilled to receive such a warm and humorous message from Steve Coogan, one of  the area’s most famous locals.

“Not least for his recognition that this is very much a pub at the heart of the community. But one with a massive refurbishment that brings even more new life into the pub.”

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Mark added: “The Roebuck offers a warm invitation to everyone. And we have let Steve Coogan know that whenever he is in town he can be assured of a hearty local welcome and a drink on us.”

Among those who wanted the pub to revert to its original name was Linda Murray, 63, who won Joseph Holt’s competition to rename the pub and who cut the ribbon on the opening night

Linda said: “I have lived in Alkrington since 1971 when I was 11 years old, so most of my late teens and 20s I did most of my socialising in The Roebuck.

“It was a great pub, almost everyone from Alkrington under 35 used to drink in the Roebuck. Alkrington was known as the place where the Roebuck was and people from surrounding areas used to come and enjoy a great night out.”

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Featured image: Supplied, Joseph Holt