Manager says pub 'is nothing without Everton fans'

The manager of a historic pub popular with generations of football fans said it would be a "very sad day" when he closed its doors for the final time.

The Winslow Hotel, also known as The People's Pub, was built in the 1880s and is located opposite Goodison Park.

After Everton's men's team moved to their new Hill Dickinson Stadium in August, the number of customers fell to the point where Dave Bond said it was no longer financially viable to remain open and he would soon have to close.

"It's nothing without the wonderful fans," he said.

"It's an amazing venue and I've been very lucky and very privileged to be custodian [during] a little part of its 140-year journey," Bond said.

"For me the love went out of it once we lost the Everton fans."

He said there was a suggestion that he could still run it as an "away fans" pub but his "heart was not in it".

Bond, who became an Everton fan while growing up in County Clare in Ireland, has been in charge of the pub since 2014.

Following the Toffees' move to Hill Dickinson Stadium in 2025, he initially tried to run a coach service from the Winslow to the new ground.

After little take-up, however, Bond knew the pub's days were numbered.

"Our matchday trade has completely disappeared," he said.

"Sadly it's time to call time on the other old lady on Goodison Road."

Goodison Park was affectionately known as "The Grand Old Lady" for many years by Everton fans.

Although Everton Women now play at Goodison Park, Bond said attendances were well below the 40,000 that used to watch the men's side.

As pub manager and not the building owner he said he did not know what will become of the building.

A big farewell party has been planned for 24 January, he said.

Bond said "there will be tears" but added it was "a goodbye to the old and hello to the new" as he plans to open a new Everton venue called Dixie's on Dickson Street, near Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Bond said he would do his best "to recreate The Winslow" there.

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