Recently, I stepped into the Winslow Hotel, and it felt like walking into a treasure trove of football history. This pub, built in 1886, isn’t just a bar; it’s a piece of Everton FC’s heart, located just a stone’s throw from Goodison Park.
However, it’s with a heavy heart that I share the news that this iconic spot is closing. The Winslow’s manager, Dave Bond, announced that dwindling business due to Everton’s move to a new stadium has led to this decision. The farewell party is set for January 24, featuring former players to give this beloved pub the send-off it deserves.
Once it closes, who knows what will come next? Likely, it will be converted into apartments or maybe offices. Sadly, this closure serves as a reminder of the collateral damage sports teams can cause when they relocate. A few years back, I saw a similar trend around Manchester City’s old Maine Road; at least 18 pubs there have vanished since the club moved.
Dave shared a poignant story about the deep-rooted connections people have with the Winslow. He recalled an elderly patron who reminisced about being brought into the pub by his father in the 1930s. That little boy later saw Everton players walk in during halftime for a quick pint. This pub has been a meeting point for families across generations, illustrating how embedded it is in local culture.
Interestingly, FourFourTwo magazine featured the Winslow as one of Britain’s best football pubs. The charm inside is unmistakable, with walls filled with memorabilia and nods to club legends. Scattered throughout are the spirit and camaraderie of Everton supporters who have gathered here over the decades.
Just as non-Evertonians would miss such places, fans from across the football world understand their significance. Whether it’s Arsenal fans reminiscing about The Gunners or those who enjoyed the old Baseball Ground, every club has a watering hole where supporters can share their love for the game. This connection to local pubs is part of what makes being a fan special.
Even now, activity still brews around Goodison Park. Everton’s women’s team and under-21 matches continue to draw crowds, bringing some much-needed business to the Winslow. Yet, the decline is evident, especially as Dave recalls attempts to welcome traveling fans for major matches, which weren’t enough to sustain the pub’s legacy.
Dave had once proposed relocating local businesses like the Winslow alongside Everton’s new stadium. Unfortunately, his ideas didn’t take root. But while he plans to open a new venue nearby, leaving the Winslow will be hard for him. “This is iconic,” says Dave. “It has been part of the community for 140 years.”
The loss of the Winslow Hotel isn’t just about a pub closing; it symbolizes the changing landscape of football culture. As clubs move and adapt, they often leave behind the very spirit of their community. Though the Winslow will close, its memories and stories will live on, reminding us all of the importance of places where fans can gather and celebrate their love for the beautiful game.
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Everton, Culture, Premier League, Soccer
