A Greater Manchester pub created during the pandemic has risen in just three years to beat the best in the region.

Oldham's Fox and Pine’s first months of trading were disrupted by restrictions. Despite this short life, CAMRA members comprehensively voted the town-centre venue as the Great Manchester Pub of the Year.

Owner Chris Riley has an extensive history of running pubs across the area, including the Welcome Inn in Ordsall and the Apple and Pear, Middleton. His previous pub was the huge Regal Moon in Rochdale town centre before looking to create his own vision.

Together with wife Michelle, he set up Oldham Beer Company and found the empty premises on Greaves Street.

No less than 10 handpumps serve a wide choice of ales, with many drawn from breweries within a 25-mile radius. One handpump is dedicated to Draught Bass, a particular favourite of Riley – and his dad.

Cider lovers are well catered for with a choice from producers Hecks and Harry’s. Chris also offers craft beer lovers a choice of five keg fonts with the best of local and national brews and even an ABK lager from the 700-year-old Bavarian brewery.

But judges mark more than just the choice and quality of drinks on offer. Adjudicators are drawn from across the region, and they look for a commitment to the community and whether the venues reflect the wider aims of CAMRA. A friendly welcome and knowledgeable bar staff also feature highly in their assessments.

Judges praised the pub’s keen desire to assist the local community, with several local charities being supported. The pub is also the headquarters of Yeds, Oldham Rugby League Club's supporter group.

Riley said: “We’ve come a long way in a short time, and we’ve been supported by great staff and lots of lovely customers. It's humbling to receive this award from CAMRA.

“There’s a lot of competition out there – plenty of great pubs – but they all need your support. Get out and enjoy them, forget about buying beer from supermarkets.”

Judge’s comments included “warm welcome, interesting decor, and community-focused”, “an inclusive, welcoming feel”, and “plenty of events in the pub – music, open mic, regular quiz, chess club”. One judge even said it was “probably the best bar I've ever been in".

CAMRA's regional director Ralph Warrington said: “We are blessed to have many excellent pubs and breweries in Greater Manchester. To be judged the best reflects the hard work of publicans. Chris and Michelle have clearly found a winning combination of real ale and a warm welcome, blending the traditional and modern. Cheers to the Fox and Pine."

Pictured, from left, Chris Riley and Ralph Warrington.