Starbucks closed after mice report

Oldham’s first Starbucks is closed until further notice after inspectors swooped following reports of mice.

Bosses at the international coffee shop chain opened the branch at Elk Mill shopping park in Royton in September 2023.

At the time, Alex Rayner, vice president and general manager at Starbucks UK, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Oldham community to our new store and our first in Oldham.”

Earlier this month, questions were asked after customers noticed it had been shut for several days. No explanation was initially given.

Now, an Oldham council spokesperson has said: “A Food Safety Officer visited the premises last week following a complaint about mice. During the inspection, the business agreed to work with the council to address the issues identified and voluntarily closed while the necessary improvements are carried out.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and keep it under review.”

According to the Food Standards Agency website, the business was last inspected in August 2026. It was given a top food hygiene rating of five.
The branch was rated ‘very good’ for management of food safety and hygienic food handling, while it was rated ‘good’ for cleanliness.

A Starbucks spokesperson said: “We take food safety and hygiene extremely seriously. Following an inspection, we took immediate action to address the issues identified.
“We will continue to work closely with the local council and will only reopen once we are satisfied that we meet the high standards our customers expect.”