Everton goodison park
The Winslow Hotel, a cherished establishment located next to Goodison Park, is set to close its doors after serving Everton fans and the local community since the 1880s. The decision comes as the pub faces financial challenges due to declining business on matchdays, despite Everton Women now playing at Goodison Park.
Dave Bond said: “It’s sad. It’s like an annex to the stadium. It’s enshrined in Evertonian DNA. Dixie Dean used to drink in there.” He continued, “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.”
The Winslow Hotel has been a significant part of Everton’s history, serving as a gathering place for fans on matchdays. However, with the men’s team no longer playing at Goodison Park, matchday attendances have significantly decreased, impacting the pub’s viability. Dave Bond, the general manager since 2014, expressed his disappointment but also announced plans for a grand farewell party to celebrate the pub’s legacy.
Dave Bond said: “Sadly it’s time to call time on the other old lady on Goodison Road. Since the inaugural game v Bolton in 1892 to the final game v Southampton, The Winslow has been an integral part of Everton folklore and the matchday rituals of so many generations of Blues. Let’s give her a fantastic farewell on January 24 2026. There has been huge demand and tickets will sell out fast.”
The farewell event, scheduled for January 24, 2026, promises to be a memorable occasion with guest speakers, live music, and a buffet. Tickets, priced at £30, are expected to sell out quickly, and attendees will receive paper tickets as souvenirs. The Winslow’s closure coincides with its 140th anniversary, marking the end of an era for the historic pub.
In December, a planning application was submitted to Liverpool Council to convert The Winslow into a 26-bed guest house. While Dave Bond is not the owner of the building and is uncertain about the site’s future, he is preparing to open a new Everton-themed venue called Dixie’s on Dickson Street, near the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This new venture is set to open shortly after The Winslow’s closure, offering a fresh start for Bond and Everton fans.
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