Highly rated Greater Manchester restaurant announces shock closure

One of Oldham’s top-rated restaurants will be closing down after two decades of serving up ‘delicious food and happy memories’.

Dinnerstone on Uppermill High Street, Oldham, is closing its doors for good this week. 

Owner Charles Brierley announced the ‘sad’ decision on the restaurant’s Facebook page on Sunday, January 4. 

Brierley wrote: “20 years ago, in 2006, I opened Dinnerstone. Today, it is with sadness that I am making the difficult decision to close the restaurant. 
“Not all good things come to an end, but unfortunately my time operating Dinnerstone has. However, that leaves an opportunity for someone else, who knows what the future holds…”

He also thanked his ‘fantastic’ team for their ‘professionalism and hard work’, which helped maintain the eatery’s ranking as the third top restaurant in Oldham on Tripadvisor. Most of the staff will continue to work for the White Hart at Lydgate, a Michelin-recommended venture also owned by Brierley.

The local businessman and property manager explained Dinnerstone had ‘not gone into liquidation and will meet its fiscal responsibilities’ to suppliers and staff. Those with vouchers and deposits will be able to redeem them at the White Hart instead.

Saddleworth locals expressed surprise and sadness at the shock closure, with many sharing they’d spent significant moments at the restaurant with their families. 

“[I] was surprised by getting engaged whilst enjoying a meal with you,” one former customer, Rachel Travis, commented. “The staff were in on it, pre-planned, and it was just amazing. It’s always been a favourite. Sad you’re packing up.” 

And Iain Richards wrote: “My now wife and I had our very first date there and we’d been back several times for anniversary celebrations. We definitely have very fond memories of the restaurant!” 

Others showered Dinnerstone in praise and theorised whether the pandemic or the challenges facing the hospitality industry through increased taxes and lower footfall were to blame. 

Catherine Seville-Clare said: “It’s so sad to hear, I’ve made more happy memories at Dinnerstone than I care to count! I’ve been a regular since it opened and I for one will truly miss this Uppermill institution, the village is all the poorer for its absence.”