A BELOVED pub has announced it is closing after 33 years in business with punters being urged to come in for one last pint before the doors shut for good.
The Fisherman’s Retreat is set in the Twine Valley near Ramsbottom, above Bury, and has been welcoming customers since opening in 1992.
The popular venue built a reputation for its huge whisky range, popular Bonfire Night parties and traditional Sunday dinners, as well as hosting weddings and special events.
The closure was confirmed in a statement posted on the pub’s Facebook page by owners the Magnall family, who said the restaurant will shut on February 1, 2026, although their online whisky and wine store will continue to trade.
They wrote: “With the New Year comes change, and for us this means the end of an era for our family-run business.
“On Sunday, February 1, 2026, we will be closing the doors of The Fisherman’s Retreat restaurant for the final time.
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“Throughout January, we will be reducing our opening hours to three days a week: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
“It will be business as usual on these remaining weekends, so if you fancy a pint or a bite to eat while enjoying the panoramic view through the big window, call in, say hello, and have the craic with us one last time!
“We would like to thank all our customers, staff, friends, and family who have supported us from the very beginning right up until now.
“A special mention must go to our dedicated team—past and present—who have been an integral part of our success.
“The journey to where we are today has been a long one—from the small family-run pub with the ‘Big Chair’ that everyone had their picture taken on, to hosting the best bonfire and fireworks display for miles around, whisky tastings with Hervey and Uncle Ken, weddings full of joy, and many other fond memories that would take too long to list.
“It has been an incredible 33 years, but as with all good things, they must eventually come to an end, and we feel that time has now come.”
The Fisherman’s Retreat will continue trading on reduced hours throughout January before closing its doors for the final time at the start of February.
Around 1,000 landlords — including Jeremy Clarkson, who runs The Farmer’s Dog in Oxfordshire — have joined The Sun’s Taxed Out campaign to ban Labour MPs in protest at the Budget tax grab.
Industry research shows the rates changes are set to cost the average pub £12,900 more over three years, even with government support.
It is understood a Treasury support package of £400million is being made available.
But Emma McClarkin, boss of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “Many of these closures are totally unnecessary.
“It’s never been more vital for a pub-specific business rates relief which could prevent more closures and more job losses.”
Kate Nicholls, from UKHospitality, added: “These figures are stark. Tens of thousands of jobs have been lost and dreams shattered.”