Grandpa Greene's, the much-loved luxury ice cream maker, has announced it will temporarily close its Diggle site at the beginning of next month for a complete demolition and rebuild, aiming to create what it calls 'the ultimate canalside hospitality destination'.
A major investment in Diggle
The business, located at the side of the Diggle Canal in Saddleworth, Oldham, shared images of the planned new-look cafe, stating: "It’s time to reimagine it for the future."
In a post that has garnered hundreds of likes, Grandpa Greene's explained: "Over the coming months, we’ll completely demolish and rebuild our Diggle site, making a major investment to create the ultimate canalside hospitality destination while preserving the character, charm and heritage that has made Grandpa Greene’s so special."
When the site reopens, customers can expect "an incredible new space to enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, drinks, ice cream and unforgettable experiences."
From an ice cream shed to a family dream
The announcement also detailed the company's history, from Carole Scholes starting out from an ice cream shed at the side of the canal using her grandfather's original recipes. "What started as a humble family dream has grown into something truly special," they said.
Addressing the closure directly, they added: "This September, we’ll be closing the doors at our Diggle site. Before you panic… this isn’t goodbye. It’s the beginning of the biggest chapter in Grandpa Greene’s history. We’re still the same small, family-run business that has grown organically over the past 21 years."
Fans invited to share memories
The company is encouraging customers to visit in the coming weeks for "one last ice cream, one last coffee, one last brunch and one last walk along the canal before we begin an exciting new chapter."
After asking customers to share their memories, they have been inundated with tales from the last two decades, including visits to the site's cosy heated igloos, which were installed in 2018.
Aside from its ice cream, Grandpa Greene's is known for its breakfasts, afternoon teas and epic Easter treats, including giant Easter egg hot chocolates, pancake stacks, shakes, waffles and more. The Uppermill bistro, which opened inside an old toilet block at King George V Park in 2023, has also been a huge hit.
