The Winslow Hotel is a 140-year-old pub on Goodison Road, and became part of the storied history of Everton FC's fan culture
The Winslow Hotel pub building on Goodison Road, pictured in July 2026
The Winslow Hotel pub building on Goodison Road, pictured in July 2026(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
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A historic pub, which became a focal point for generations of Everton FC fans, was on sale today (July 9), six months after closing down for the final time.
The Winslow Hotel first opened in 1886, predating Everton’s move to Goodison Park in 1892, but due to its proximity to the ground, it soon became the 'go to' pub for match day goers, and Everton fans living in the surrounding neighbourhood. For generations of Blues, the 'People's Pub' became the place where fans celebrated the club's triumphs and reflected on its struggles, claiming a central part the storied history of Everton FC's fan culture
The Liverpool ECHO previously reported how the Winslow welcomed generations of supporters, as well as some of the incredible memories people shared within its walls. However, after Everton’s men’s team relocated to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium last year, The Winslow Hotel, and other pubs in the community, saw visitor numbers drop sharply, eventually leading to its closure.
Before then, it had enjoyed two more historic and memorable events, including Everton men's team's last home game at Goodison Park on May 18, 2025. Laden with emotion and pride, the scenes at The Winslow Hotel, before and after that game will be held in the hearts of many Everton fans.
Blues fans outside the Winslow Hotel on the day of Everton men's team last ever home game at Goodison Park
Blues fans outside the Winslow Hotel on the day of Everton men's team last ever home game at Goodison Park(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
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Similarly, the pub's final farewell party in January, was a joyous event, as hundreds of people came to celebrate the long legacy of the pub, and what it meant to them, not just as fans, but also its place in their personal and family lives.
After the closure was finally announced, the pub's general manager at the time, Dave Bond, said it was no longer financially viable to keep the pub running due to the collapse in matchday trade. While Everton Women continue to play at Goodison Park, attendances of between 3,000 and 6,000 fall well short of the crowds of more than 40,000 previously drawn by the men’s team.
The pub has remained closed for the last six months, prompting much speculation about its future use. The ECHO can now report the pub was put up for sale, with an auction taking place earlier today (July 9).
The site had been advertised by Pattinson for an online auction sale. The listing was accompanied with a recommended starting bid of £427,500, and a detailed description of the property and its attractiveness to potential investors.
People enjoy the farewell party for The Winslow Hotel
People enjoy the farewell party for The Winslow Hotel(Image: Liverpool Echo)
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It stated: "An exciting mixed-use redevelopment opportunity centred around the existing The Winslow, located in a prominent position on Goodison Road, Liverpool, within a well-established residential and commercial area close to major transport routes, local amenities and a 15 minute walk from Anfield Stadium.
"Proposed plans (not yet approved) have been prepared to retain part of the public house at ground floor level, whilst unlocking significant additional value through new retail and residential accommodation, making this a highly attractive proposition for developers and long-term investors."
According to the legal pack documents provided by Pattinson's, the 'official copy of register of title' confirms the property was last bought in 2014 for £107,380. It was purchased by the stated proprietor, Ian Rossiter.
In 2024, Mr Rossiter was named as the applicant for a planning application submitted to Liverpool City Council, which sought to convert the first and second floors in a 20-room hotel and guest house, but this was refused in November 2025.
The Winslow Hotel pub building on Goodison Road, pictured in July 2026
The Winslow Hotel pub building on Goodison Road, pictured in July 2026(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
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Despite this, Pattison included a 'Proposed Development Summary (Subject to Planning)' within its marketing materials, citing an indicative scheme for a proposal to retain part of the public house 'for continued license use or alternative community use'.
It also contains potential plans for three ground floor retail units, and six self-contained 2-bedroom apartments, arranged over the first and second floors. The auctioneers confirmed plans have already been prepared, but added: "No planning consent has yet been granted, and all interested parties should rely on their own planning enquiries."
After the bidding process started this morning, the first and only offer was for £350,000, more than £77,000 under the recommended starting bid.
Shortly after the auction closed at 1pm, the ECHO contacted the agent which confirmed the auction reserve had not been met, and therefore no sale had been agreed.
There is currently no confirmation of when or if the property will be placed back on the market.