The Old School BBQ Bus in Oldham has been awarded a gold seal from the Good Food Awards for the fourth year in a row. The venue, which operates from a converted 1982 Bluebird International American yellow school bus at Alford Street in Chadderton, specialises in slow-cooked BBQ dishes such as flame-grilled chicken wings, 16-hour smoked prime black angus brisket, and apricot glazed pork belly.
Fourth consecutive gold seal
Owner Mark Fairley, who opened the venue eight years ago, announced the recognition on social media. The gold seal is only given to venues that maintain high standards in food quality, service, and value for money. It can only be won by establishments that have already received the standard Blue Ribbon prize for three or more consecutive years.
In his post, Fairley wrote: “We are absolutely over the moon to announce that Old School BBQ has been awarded the Good Food Award GOLD SEAL 2026/27! And this one feels extra special… That’s FOUR consecutive years we’ve received the Gold Seal.”
Owner thanks supporters
He added: “For an independent little BBQ joint from Oldham, this genuinely means the world to us. A massive THANK YOU to every single person who voted for us, visited us, recommended us, shared our posts and supported what we do. We simply couldn’t keep doing this without you.”
Fairley also thanked the team: “And an equally massive thank you to the whole OSB team, past and present. These awards don’t happen because of one person. They come from the graft behind the scenes, the long days, smoky clothes, busy services and a team that keeps pushing. Four years. Four Gold Seals. One very proud Old School BBQ. Here’s to keeping the fires burning. Thank you, Oldham.”
Customer reactions and menu
Customers responded positively, with one saying: “We've been going here years. Its great.” Another commented: “Brilliant news Mark. Look forward to visiting again soon.” A third wrote: “Always brilliant vibes and amazing food. Congratulations.”
The restaurant also serves tacos, kebabs, rice bowls, loaded fries, burgers, and flavoured Mac 'N' Cheese dishes, as well as Pitmaster Trays featuring ribs and pork belly with sides like burnt ends, sausage bites, and Texas toast.
The bus has appeared on Come Dine With Me: The Professionals and has won other awards, including Most Unique Catering offering at the 2024 UK Quirky Wedding Awards. Last year, it was named one of the best street food vendors in the UK.
The concept started as a food stall at festivals and markets before opening a permanent spot in a Failsworth car park in 2016. It later relocated to its current Chadderton base, which Fairley described as “the UK's first outdoor purpose-built BBQ streetfood venue”.
