Everton goodison park
The Winslow Hotel, a cornerstone of Everton’s matchday tradition, is set to close its doors after 140 years on Goodison Road. Known as ‘The People’s Pub,’ the venue has been a beloved gathering spot for Everton fans, steeped in history and adorned with royal blue and club memorabilia. Despite efforts to sustain its legacy, financial challenges have forced the closure, marking the end of an era for many supporters.
Dave Bond said: “That will mark 140 years of The Winslow as an Everton matchday venue. It predates Everton FC by six years. The Winslow has been an integral part of the matchday ritual for generations of fans.”
Dave Bond said: “We tried to pre-empt the move (to the new stadium) with running coaches. That lasted about five or six games. There was very little uptake. I thought, maybe we’ll get a season out of it, maybe half a season, we got zero. It seemed like a good time to do it in January 2026 because it will be 140 years. It’s not sustainable to keep it open.”
Dave Bond said: “We don’t want to close the doors with a whimper. We’ll have the support of the club and some ex-players. We’re going to plan a fantastic night towards the end of January with live music and people talking about their memories of The Winslow. It’s sad. It’s like an annex to the stadium. It’s enshrined in Evertonian DNA. Dixie Dean used to drink in there.”
Dave Bond said: “I will be trying to recreate The Winslow at Dixie’s, on Dickson Street by Hill Dickinson Stadium. I’m currently running (music and arts venue) Meraki and will also be the general manager at Dixie’s, which is located next door to Meraki and is due to open also in late January. So a goodbye to the old and at the same time saying hello to the new, if you will.”
The Winslow Hotel has been more than just a pub; it has been a significant part of the Everton matchday experience. However, with the men’s team moving to the Hill Dickinson Stadium and the women’s team’s attendance not matching the men’s previous figures, the business has struggled to remain viable. Despite attempts to maintain its relevance by offering transport to the new stadium, the initiative saw little success.
As the pub prepares for its final farewell, a grand event is planned for January 24, featuring live music and appearances from former players. This event aims to celebrate the Winslow’s rich history and its place in the hearts of Everton fans. Dave Bond, the general manager, is set to transition to a new venue, Dixie’s, near the new stadium, hoping to capture the spirit of The Winslow in a fresh setting.
The closure of The Winslow marks a poignant moment for the Everton community, as fans prepare to bid farewell to a venue that has been a fixture in their lives for generations. The farewell event will be ticketed, and fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early to be part of this historic send-off.
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