Halal Inn is UK's first alcohol-free Islamic pub

The owners of what is thought to be the UK's first Islamic pub, are "shell- shocked" with the attention their business has received.

A flood of stories in the national press last week revealed how business partners Azizur Rahman and Muzahid Khan opened up a former pub in Oldham as a place for the local Muslim community to socialise.

The Halal Inn, formerly the Westwood Inn, differs from most pubs because it doesn't offer any alcoholic refreshment.

Instead it sells soft drinks, plays Islamic songs and has snooker tables, darts and karam boards - an Indian game similar to billiards.

The inn has been open since December and regular quiz nights and a snooker and karam league have already been set up. There is also a restaurant and a prayer room.

Co-owner Muzahid Khan told thepublican.com:​ "We're shell-shocked with the media attention. We're all exhausted and have had non-stop phone calls. It's just meant to be a place to socialise. We're not used to all the attention."

The entrepreneurs said Muslims, which they describe as a major consumer group, can be put off traditional pubs because of the alcohol, which is forbidden by Islamic law.

The owners report that the pub has attracted a wide mix of customers, and not all of them Muslim.

"It's very early days for the business," said Muzahid.

He added he wanted to reflect on the reaction to the venture to decide how to develop the business in the future.

The pair have already had business enquiries about recreating the brand from people in Birmingham and London.