A pub in Oldham has issued a lengthy apology after telling a customer that breastfeeding their baby on a Friday night was ‘not acceptable’.
The Angel Inn in Lees had been responding to a negative review from a customer, who had claimed they were told to leave as children and dogs were not allowed in the pub after a certain hour.
The scathing review blasted the pub for ‘shocking customer service’ and ‘money grabbing behaviour’.
The Angel Inn responded to the reviewer: “You also proceeded to breast feed your baby in a pub at 8.30 on a friday night whilst drinking strong alcoholic spirits that is not acceptable,” – a statement that they have since apologised for.
The initial review left for The Angel Inn. Credit: Facebook
The pub claims that the group of four adults, two dogs and a baby arrived and ordered drinks before it was noted that they had animals and an underage person in their party.
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They say that pub staff allowed the group to stay and finish their drinks and told them they would need to leave afterwards, but that the group ‘totally took advantage’.
The Angel Inn posted: “They [dogs and children] are not allowed in on a friday night at 8.30pm but seen as one of your members of the party ordered drinks before mentioning you had dogs our staff happily allowed you to stay to have the one drink to which your party totally too advantage off by dragging it out as long as possible, playing pool and lying all your coats on the floor of the tap room for the dogs.”
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Their response continued: “You also proceeded to breast feed your baby in a pub at 8.30 on a friday night whilst drinking strong alcoholic spirits that is not acceptable but yet again as my staff are polite they still offered to let you atay and deink your drink to which they did not have too.”
After receiving backlash from people for their breastfeeding comment, The Angel Inn issued a public apology, saying they are ‘upset and deeply sorry for any distress caused’.
They wrote: “We would like to publicly apologise for a comment made earlier by myself which I worded wrong and understandably caused offence. Myself and the staff working here have absolutely and rightly so no problem with breastfeeding, and that is not what the issue is about.
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“Rather than responding to the private messages and comments we are receiving I’d like to address the situation publicly.
“A group came to our establishment yesterday evening whilst I wasn’t on the premises and was served by my staff. The situation was not handled in our best interest as regrettably the group was served within hours that we do not allow children or animals on the premises for the safety reasons. We had a large band due to start and the group came in with two large dogs and a newborn baby. They was asked to move into the taproom (a quieter area) and told they could finish their drinks however they needed to leave soon due to our license.
“The group was clearly unhappy about this which is why the initial bad review has been made, please accept my apologies for the bad use of words made toward breastfeeding as that is not what was meant, my staff informed me that the woman breastfeeding was drinking spirits and the group was drunk with a newborn baby which encouraged my response to the initial complaint (worded wrong which is why I’m apologising as these are not my views).
“The group took advantage of our lenience with regards to our rules by drinking at their leisure and proceeding to play games of pool after being informed again they needed to drink up.
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“Upon reflection, we understand the group should not have been served in the first place which is something we will address with our team.
“Please be mindful that whilst you slander the business, tagging newspapers and private messaging the owners with threats and insults, the livelihood of many people is at risk which is unfair based on a comment made by one person. As owners, we put our hearts and souls into this pub. We are upset and deeply sorry for any distress caused by this situation.”
Featured image: Google Maps
Oldham
Brilliant Saddleworth restaurant shares statement after devastating fire that brought village to a standstill
Daisy Jackson
A brilliant restaurant in Saddleworth has been left ‘badly damaged’ after a huge blaze ripped through it yesterday afternoon.
Hot Duck in Uppermill, a modern Chinese establishment tucked above a takeaway, said that the fire on Sunday 6 September has been ‘devastating’.
Both Hot Duck and Hei Hei, which share a building on the village’s high street, will be closed for the foreseeable future.
But in a statement, Hot Duck said they will ‘do everything we can to come back stronger’.
They reassured customers that everyone is safe following the blaze.
Six fire engines from across Greater Manchester scrambled to the fire yesterday, with High Street closed while emergency services attended.
Locals were asked to avoid the area on Sunday evening.
Hot Duck said in a statement: “Thank you to everyone who has reached out over the last 24 hours. As many of you know, our restaurant has suffered a devastating fire affecting our whole building.
Inside Hot Duck in Uppermill before the fireHot Duck’s incredible dim sum
“Thankfully, everyone is safe, and for that, we’re incredibly grateful. We are still processing what comes next.
“It’s heartbreaking to see something we’ve worked so hard on over the years so badly damaged.
“The kindness, messages, calls, and offers of help mean more than we can put into words. To our customers, friends, neighbors, suppliers, and the wider community, thank you. Your support has given us hope at a time we really needed it.
“For now, the restaurant will remain closed while we begin the long process of rebuilding. It won’t be easy, but we will do everything we can to come back stronger. We’ll keep you updated. We will be back.”
A day of vintage cars and retro entertainment will take over a Greater Manchester town this month
Lydia Mastrolonardo
Roll up, roll up all vintage-lovers – a free full day of live entertainment is returning to Oldham town centre later this month.
Following being crowned Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2026-2027, there are set to be a whole host of exciting activities coming our way across the next couple of months, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
From old classic cars to live music and circus performances, Nostalgic Oldham has it all and we are very excited to pay a visit and celebrate one of our beloved boroughs.
The day will centre around the Big Yellow Bus in Parliament Square, serving as a hub throughout the celebrations. Here, visitors can expect plenty of free activities to get involved with, including Raggle Taggle Arts, Betty Brown Bags, Oldham Theatre Workshop and a craft workshop from Oldham Archives.
It is set to be a family-friendly, action-packed day with buckets of civic pride and traditional shows, including a performance from Saddleworth Morris Men as well as celebrating more contemporary dances from Troupe Dance.
While Tame Valley Motors will be showcasing some of their most nostalgic vehicles for all of you car-lovers, cycling enthusiasts will be able to catch a glimpse of the prestigious trophy inside the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift tent. Fans may also talk to the team behind bringing the competition through Oldham in July 2027.
Amongst the busyness, there will also be the opportunity to witness the unveiling of a brand new mural by artist Dave Draws, inside The Market at 11am.
A day of vintage cars and retro entertainment will take over Oldham
His large-scale illustrated map is a tribute to both the area and the people of Oldham, intertwining collaborative stories and drawings from members of the local community.
If you’re over in Oldham for the day, the charity Northern Roots will be opening its new Welcome Building to the public from 11am.
Visitors are welcome to browse their shop of handcrafted gifts, books and fresh produce, indulge on seasonal dishes at their café, explore the outdoor play area, Forestry Skills Centre and four acres of Urban Farm.
Subnum Hariff-Khan, Head of Libraries and Heritage and Arts at Oldham Council, said: “Nostalgic Oldham is a chance to celebrate everything that makes our borough special, from our history and traditions to the people and communities that shape Oldham today.
“There will be something for everyone to enjoy, whether that’s exploring the vintage vehicle display, watching live performances, getting involved in family activities or seeing the new community mural unveiled.
“As Greater Manchester Town of Culture, we’re proud to bring events like this to the town centre and, because it’s completely free, we hope residents and visitors alike will join us for what promises to be a fantastic day.”
Nostalgic Oldham will take place from 11-4pm on Saturday 19 September – be sure not to miss out
Daisy Jackson -
10th August 2022 
