The History of Smokies

Smokies Park Hotel, nestled in Bardsley on Ashton Road just between Oldham and Ashton U Lyne, has a rich and vibrant past. It began life in the early 1980s as the "Smoke Pole Grill," a lively roadside café. Under the ownership of Smokies Entertainments Limited, the site soon gained prominence not only as a popular local eatery but also as a vibrant social venue, hosting a bustling nightclub scene and glittering dancers across the dancefloor. In 1986, a purpose‑built hotel was constructed on the site, complete with 73 ensuite rooms over four floors, and the investment continued with the opening of a new hotel wing in 1989.

Over the years, Smokies Park has evolved into a full-service hotel and event destination. It operates under the Holiday Inn umbrella as Holiday Inn Manchester Oldham with the events side of the business operating as Smokies Park, offering modern amenities like a gym, restaurant and extensive conference, banqueting, and wedding facilities. Today, it’s celebrated as a multi-award-winning wedding and events venue that caters to receptions of up to 300 guests, with a dedicated team guiding couples through personalised wedding planning

From its origins as a simple grill pub to its transformation into a regional event hub, Smokies Park has become a landmark of contemporary hospitality in Greater Manchester. It’s convenient location—just 20 km from Manchester Airport and close to motorways and local transport has helped it maintain relevance as a base for guests visiting nearby attractions like The Lowry, Etihad Stadium, and Imperial War Museum North. With its combination of history, facilities, and community presence, Smokies Park continues to shine as a dynamic fixture in Oldham’s hospitality landscape.