Oldham's first Starbucks has closed until further notice after inspectors visited the premises following a complaint about mice. The branch, located at Elk Mill shopping park in Royton, opened in September 2023.
Council inspection and voluntary closure
An Oldham council spokesperson said: "A Food Safety Officer visited the premises last week following a complaint about mice. During the inspection, the business agreed to work with the council to address the issues identified and voluntarily closed while the necessary improvements are carried out."
The spokesperson added: "We will continue to monitor the situation and keep it under review."
Background and hygiene rating
At the time of the store's opening, Alex Rayner, vice president and general manager at Starbucks UK, said: "We are thrilled to welcome the Oldham community to our new store and our first in Oldham." Earlier this month, customers noticed the shop had been shut for several days, and no explanation was initially given.
According to the Food Standards Agency website, the business was last inspected in August 2026 and received a top food hygiene rating of five. The branch was rated 'very good' for management of food safety and hygienic food handling, and 'good' for cleanliness.
Starbucks response
A Starbucks spokesperson said: "We take food safety and hygiene extremely seriously. Following an inspection, we took immediate action to address the issues identified. We will continue to work closely with the local council and will only reopen once we are satisfied that we meet the high standards our customers expect."
