Residents have spoken out after reports incorrectly stated that the Pegs Langtern pub in Ashton-under-Lyne had closed, sparking anger among locals and fears for the future of the much-loved community venue.
The Pegs Langtern, known locally as The Pegs, was reported last week as having shut its doors in November 2025, with claims that the building is “rapidly decaying” and could soon be demolished to make way for nine new homes. However, the pub is in fact very much open and trading, a fact confirmed by both the former owners and the current operator.
Manager of the bar Corey Whittaker now runs the day-to-day operation of the pub, alongside Wes Hague owner of Stacked Burgers and Desserts. Corey told the Reporter seeing the reports online was deeply upsetting.
“It was extremely disheartening, to be honest,” he said. “We’ve put a lot of work into making this place what it should be, and when people see posts saying we’re shut, you worry that customers won’t come back because they think we’re not here.”
The owners of the site, McCabe Ltd, are seeking permission to bulldoze the pub on St Albans Avenue and replace it with nine semi-detached houses. Planning documents referenced by the article also claimed the pub had closed in November 2025, a statement that has since been strongly disputed.
Former owner Robert Laing took to Facebook to address the situation directly, saying: “The Pegs is open!! Despite all the online and newspaper articles, we are not closed – we are very much OPEN.”
Mr Laing explained that while the pub did briefly close in December, the closure was temporary, with Stacked Burgers and Desserts taking over with backing from the Laings.
Corey said the false reports were especially frustrating given the work put in behind the scenes.
“We renovated the whole place in ten days,” he said. “It was a hard slog, but we opened the doors to a massive welcome from the local community, which was fantastic. That’s why it hurts when something like this happens – because it doesn’t reflect reality at all.”
Corey added that the pub’s future plans are firmly focused on growth and consistency.
“The first step is getting it properly on its feet, and I think we’re doing alright with that,” he said. “People are coming in, seeing how good it looks, and commenting on it, which has been brilliant.”
The pub currently hosts regular events, including an open mic night starting this Thursday, a weekly Sunday quiz, and live sport through a full Sky Sports package. Corey said football has already started bringing new customers through the doors.
Corey also praised the Stacked Burgers and Desserts kitchen: “The chefs are always coming up with new burgers and putting real passion into it,” he said. “I genuinely believe they’re the best burgers around. We hold ourselves to the highest standards, so why would we serve anything less?”
Public reaction to the article was swift, with dozens of residents taking to the comments to express outrage, insisting the pub is open and describing it as a vital part of the community. Corey said that support meant a great deal to the team: “Seeing the community back us was fantastic. We’re not looking for recognition; you just want the place to succeed and be somewhere people enjoy. Knowing people see the effort and want us here makes it all worth it.”
Meanwhile, the controversy has reignited debate around the planning application submitted to demolish the pub. At the time of this article 117 public objections have been submitted against the plans.
Ashton Hurst councillor Mohammed Karim has publicly opposed the plans, warning of increased traffic, parking issues and overcrowding on the Hartshead Estate.
“I am standing up,” Cllr Karim said in a Facebook post. “I don’t want the Hartshead estate to be a mess.”
A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “Tameside Council received a planning application on 12th December 2025 proposing demolition of the public house, and erection of 9 dwellings. The council will request that the applicant amends their supporting information to accurately reflect the current trading status of the pub.
“The application has not been determined by the council and remains under assessment. It will be assessed in accordance with the Council’s development plan and any other material considerations.”
Credit: Stacked Burgers and Desserts Facebook
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