It’s heartbreaking to witness the end of an era—a pub cherished by Everton fans for generations is closing its doors, leaving behind a legacy that feels irreplaceable. But here's where it gets emotional: The Winslow Hotel, a historic landmark just yards from Goodison Park, is pouring its last pint this Saturday, and its landlord, Dave Bond, believes the club’s move to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium has stripped the area of its very essence.
Opened in the 1880s, The Winslow was more than just a pub; it was a sanctuary for fans on matchdays, buzzing with energy and camaraderie. Yet, since Everton’s men’s team relocated in August after 133 years at Goodison, the once-thriving establishment has been reduced to near silence. ‘All that’s missing now is tumbleweed,’ Bond poignantly told the BBC. ‘Goodison Park is the soul of L4, and the Everton fans are the soul of this building. Once they left, the soul went with them.’
And this is the part most people miss: Despite efforts to keep the spirit alive—like organizing coaches to the new stadium and offering food and entertainment—the pub couldn’t recover from the loss of matchday footfall, which accounted for over 90% of its revenue. Even with Everton Women now playing at Goodison, attendance numbers pale in comparison to the 40,000 fans who once flocked to the men’s games. ‘We were on a hiding to nothing trying to keep it going,’ Bond admitted.
For fans like Donal Morgan, The Winslow holds priceless memories. ‘I’ve seen ex-players like Peter Reid and the late Kevin Campbell here,’ he recalled. ‘The new stadium is fantastic, but it doesn’t have the history this place does. This pub has been here longer than most, and it’ll take a lot for others to match its legacy.’
Bond’s own love for Everton began at age nine, inspired by a book about Dixie Dean, the club’s legendary goal-scorer whose image adorns the pub’s sign. Folklore even suggests Dean and other players would dash from the pitch to the pub at halftime for a quick drink before returning to the game. Bond’s affection deepened as he listened to Radio Merseyside on his mother’s long-wave radio in Ireland, a faint but enduring connection to the club.
But here’s the controversial question: As sports teams move to modern stadiums, are we losing the historic, community-driven spaces that define their identity? The Winslow’s closure isn’t just about a pub shutting down—it’s about the erosion of a cultural hub. What do you think? Is progress worth the cost of losing such cherished landmarks? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation alive.
