ONE of Hyde’s most cherished pubs has been saved from closure and redevelopment after a dramatic last-minute intervention, sparked by an outpouring of community support.
The Sportsman on Mottram Road, a landmark that has been part of Hyde’s social fabric since 1832, looked set to be sold to developers just days ago.
After nearly three decades at the helm, long-standing landlord Geoff Oliver had made what he said was a difficult decision to sell, raising fears the historic building would be lost and replaced with flats.
For many local residents, the news was devastating as The Sportsman has long been a meeting place to them, a refuge for elderly and isolated residents, and a home for friendships built over generations.
Its traditional tiled floors, ornate woodwork and open fires are as much a part of its identity as its reputation for real ale, which has drawn visitors from across Greater Manchester and beyond.
A petition launched by pub regular Nicky Capper gathered more than 350 signatures in a short space of time, with supporters stressing the pub’s cultural importance and its role as a vital social hub.
At the eleventh hour, that message was heard as local firm Monopoly Properties stepped in just in time, purchasing the building and ensuring it would continue to operate as a pub rather than be redeveloped.
The rescue has been widely welcomed as a victory for community-led action in the face of mounting development pressures.
The Sportsman reopened its doors last Friday (January 9) to packed rooms and an emotional atmosphere, with familiar staff returning to welcome regulars back. Many described the scenes as heartening, with the pub busy throughout the day as residents came together to celebrate its survival.
New owner Andy Kleek – who leads the community group Make Ashton Great Again – said saving The Sportsman reflected a wider commitment to protecting valued spaces across Tameside.
The news has been widely welcomed on social media, with many pledging to call in for a drink soon.
The pub has stood in Hyde for almost 200 years and was once named Greater Manchester regional winner in CAMRA’s National Pub of the Year competition. For many years it has also been home to the Cuba Libre restaurant, run by Geoff’s wife Cangui and her sister Belen.
As the fires are lit once again and conversation fills the rooms, locals say the rescue of The Sportsman is about more than bricks and mortar, and a reminder of what can happen when a community stands together to protect the places that give a town its heart.