Smithfield, Ashton Old Road, Openshaw. (c) Alan Winfield with permission.
The Locomotive was a huge Boddingtons pub on the corner of Cornwall Street and Ashton Old Road in Openshaw. It is shown at the archives in two photos in the 1960s, and here in the 1970s. The Locomotive was renamed the Smithfield - after the nearby wholesale markets - as shown above in 1992.
Locomotive, Ashton Old Road. (c) Gorton Tank [1].
The old Locomotive and Smithfield was demolished in 2003 [2] and nothing stands on this corner today. Pubs either side of the this one on Ashton Old Road were the both-closed George and the Pack Horse.
Former location of Locomotive, Ashton Old Road. (c) Google 2014. View Larger Map.
I recall it being said of the Locomotive in Opening Times "It has a sign saying 'Open All Day'. Despite this, it's usually shut". Incredible wipeout of pubs along that stretch of Ashton Old Road.
ReplyDeleteGot a list of 49 that were open in the 1960s. Slowly working through it
ReplyDeleteI used to work at b&s massey that was opposite the Locomotive . we used to go there for lunch every day ,they served the best pint of boddies I ever had.
ReplyDeleteHi does anyone know which pub used to be on the corner of Plane street and Greenacres Road Oldham in the 1960s.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike I have just come across your old post regarding the locomotive pub opposite B&S Massey. My Grandfather William Shelton used to be the landlord there in the late 40s early 50s and my father Eddie James worked at Massey's in the 40s,50s,60s and early 70s. I dont know your age but are any of the above familiar to you if you are of that time period. I spent the first 3 or 4 years of my life living in a tiny house in saltburn Street which was directly opposit Masseys but does not appear on any old maps. Did you know it?
ReplyDeleteKind regards
Keith James
Hi Keith Iv'e just realised where Saltburn street was , it was the small road at the end of the factory building there's a photo i've just seen online and there's a corner shop on the opposite side of the street, this land was taken over by masseys ,the houses demolished and it was turned into a car park . you could still access the factory on foot from this point as there was small gate added but the main entrance to the car park was round on Victoria street. thanks mike.
DeleteHi Keith ,sorry I don't remember anyone called Eddie James,do you know what his trade was, like a fitter or a turner? I only started work at Masseys in 1976 until it closed in the early 80s. I have no memory of Saltburn street either ,its strange that its not on any maps. cheers mike
ReplyDeleteWhat was the name of the little pub in between .metroplole and queens cinemas?
ReplyDelete