People have reacted to the news on social media
Dave is planning a farewell event before the pub closes(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
People have shared their memories of a legendary pub next to Goodison Park after its closure was announced. The Winslow Hotel has stood on Goodison Road longer than the famous stadium, making it an important part of generations of Everton supporters’ match days.
Decorated in the club’s royal blue colours, with EFC memorabilia all over its walls, the matchday boozer calls itself “The People’s Pub” – referencing “The People’s Club” nickname that manager David Moyes launched upon his 2002 appointment in his first spell at the club.
Dave Bond, the pub’s general manager, has been in charge since 2014 and made plans well-before the club’s move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium to try and breathe fresh life into The Winslow by running coaches from the pub to the new stadium.
Dave confirmed to the ECHO that this was not enough to keep the venue going. Alan Myers, a football journalist and former director of communications at Everton, said the pub was “due to close in the new year” in a post on X on Saturday, December 6 and this was confirmed by Dave on Sunday afternoon.
Everton fans outside The Winslow Hotel before the men’s side played at Goodison Park for the final time in May(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
The manager believes the pub will close towards the end of January 2026, although nothing has been confirmed at this stage.
Many reacted to the news on the ECHO’s Facebook page and shared their memories of the historic pub.
Billy Woodward said: “I’m a Red and that’s a shame. It’s a totally iconic pub and my Evertonian mates over the years would say to each other ‘meet you in The Winslow’. I wish I had a pound for every time I heard that.”
Paula Eglington Murtagh said: “So sad to hear this an end to an era. Thank you so much Dave staff for all you did for us.”
Licensee Dave Bond from The Winslow Hotel on Goodison Road runs one of the many businesses next to the ground which relied on matchday revenue(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Steven Harvey added: “As a Liverpool fan it’s sad to see a famous iconic pub is closing down. I am sure many football fans have memories of this pub, not just blues. It was a real popular darts venue too when I played in leagues.”
Football fans travelling from across the world have also spent time at the legendary pub.
Rob Smeltzer said: “So happy to have gotten there all the way from the States. Was so fantastic and welcoming!”
John McCormick said: “Loved going there from Northern Ireland. So sad.”
More can be read on The Winslow Hotel’s closure here.