Retail Comings and Goings in Tameside, January 2015: The Ashton Review of Shops

Happy New Year!

• Two pubs reopen whilst another one closes;
• Bank calls in the administrators;
• New secondhand shop on Stamford Street.

Shortly after the previous bulletin went to press, two pubs reopened whereas one is on the verge of reopening (as a restaurant).

Ashton shops

• Savouries on Warrington Street is in the midst of refurbishment after a recent fire.
• A new secondhand shop has opened on Stamford Street close to Barclays Bank. Known as Bargain Cave, its stock veers towards collectable items.
• Work has begun on the former Bowker’s bakery unit on Penny Meadow. All will be revealed in the next three months or so.

Bank administration

It was announced today that the Bank fashion chain had fallen into administration. The High Street chain, hitherto owned by John and David Makin (owners of JD Sports), was sold to Hilco Capital in November 2014. Over 1,500 jobs are at risk.

This affects the Ashton-under-Lyne and Denton branches in the Arcades Shopping Centre and Crown Point North. Whereas both shopping centres have been affected by Phones4U’s demise, the administrators, Deloitte aim to keep Bank as a going concern. Several parties have expressed an interest in the business, founded by former Macclesfield Town footballer Andy Scott.

Planning Notices

• Owing to the remodelling of Park Parade bypass, LIDL have submitted a planning application to demolish their present store and revise access arrangements.
• Newton Pharmacy, who own the former Newton library building have put in an application to display signage.
• Stamford Arcade is the subject of a planning application where 6 – 8 Stamford Arcade may see a two-storey extension, and conversion to seven apartments.

Pub and club update

Days after our last bulletin, the Prince of Orange public house in Ashton-under-Lyne reopened to great acclaim. It was Robinsons’ 20th major refurbishment and local reaction has been positive. There has been good reports about the decor and its carvery. The cask ale offering has stepped up threefold, with the regular Unicorn augmented by one of Robbies’ seasonal ales and a very quaffable house beer, exclusive to the establishment.

Further down Warrington Street (well Bow Street to be precise), Olivers have stepped up a few gears to win over clientele alienated by the new look Prince of Orange. Besides opting for the cheaper Samuel Smith’s ales (Old Brewery Bitter, Ayinger Brau/Alpine Lager), and Guinness for a very good £2.50 (again, a pint), they have upped the entertainment ante. Discos and karaoke sessions take place on most days from 2pm to 9pm, with an extension on Fridays and Saturdays.

The River Bank has reopened on Crescent Road, Dukinfield, just in time for Christmas. The present landlord also owns the Flowery Field on Throstle Bank Road, and has worked as relief landlord at The George (a fantastic though long gone Robbies house in Hyde). Friday afternoons will see free food, nicely timed for the shift workers at the nearby Tulip plant on the banks of the River Tame.

On Sunday, The Apethorn served its last pints. For residents on the western part of Gee Cross, the nearest pub is The Cheshire Cheese on Stockport Old Road, or The Joshua Bradley on Stockport Road. Other than that, the 344 (Monday to Saturday daytimes) or the 389 (Sundays, Bank Holidays and Evenings) to Hyde is a more convenient option.

Other comings and goings (some of which probably not so recent – corrections and additions appreciated as always):

Comings:

• Bargain Cave: Arcades Shopping Centre, Ashton-under-Lyne: new shop;
• Prince of Orange: Warrington Street, Ashton-under-Lyne: refurbishment and restoration of food sales;
• The River Bank: Crescent Road/Whitelands, Dukinfield: reopening.

Doubtful:

• Bank: Arcades Shopping Centre, Ashton-under-Lyne; Crown Point North, Denton: business in administration though still trading at present.

Goings:

• The Apethorn: Knott Lane, Gee Cross, Hyde.

*                     *                    *

Next Month:

The shortest month should see two definite answers: one, as to the progress of Bowker’s unit; and two, as to whether work has begun on the new open market stalls in Ashton (plans for inspection inside Ashton Market Hall). Hopefully, our intrepid reviewer might give the carvery a whirl at the Prince of Orange. Or, he could reestablish himself as Ashton’s finest singer of Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell in Olivers.

Till now, over a pint of… it is goodbye from me, and a Happy New Year.

S.V., 05 January 2015.