Oldham nightclub tycoon to create 40 jobs with new Bierkeller

German-style bar chain Bierkeller is due to launch in Oldham this weekend, creating 40 jobs and adding a Bavarian twist to the town’s nightlife.

Following a £250k refurb, the bar will occupy the ground floor of the former Tokyo Project nightclub on Roscoe Street.

The development is the work of Tokyo Industries, which owns and runs 32 nightclubs and bars across the UK, including Bierkeller venues in York, Newcastle and Bradford.

The managing director of Tokyo Industries, Oldham-born Aaron Mellor, said: “This development is particularly close to my heart as I’m a local lad and Tokyo Oldham was my very first venture, which effectively launched my journey into the nightlife sector back in 1997.

“Before we even purchased the original venue, we’d run club nights here. It was called Club57/The Hurricane Club back then and was a snooker hall, once owned by Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins.”

Aaron added: “It hosted live shows, with Inspiral Carpets formed here, and Oasis playing their second ever show. I also recall an unknown Peter Kay doing stand-up to about seven people when we first opened – he probably wrote Phoenix Nights based on that experience.”

When it opens, the bar will feature Bierkeller’s signature Bavarian-style oompah bands, two-pint beer steins and 50 beers from around the world.

Speaking further, Aaron said he believes the town’s nightlife needs something new.

He continued: “Oldham’s got a little bit boring recently - it’s like fun left on the MetroLink with everyone else.

“There’s a real feeling that we need to get some entertainment back in town, without having to head into Manchester – something really local.

“The Bierkeller concept seems to have taken off in a big way across the country and I wanted to bring a bit of that oompah to my old stomping ground back here in Oldham. It’s the party season – so we can’t wait to see lots of people swaying on their benches, raising a stein and generally having a great time.”

Oldham Bierkeller is due to host a VIP preview event this Friday (December 11), with its official launch on Saturday.