The staff said they have gone from one big family to another big family
Former Winslow pub staff who have now found work at Moody Blues on The Strand. Pictured is Teresa Walsh with owner Paul Moody
Former Winslow pub staff who have now found work at Moody Blues on The Strand. Pictured is Teresa Walsh with owner Paul Moody
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Former staff members of a historic Liverpool pub have spoken of their relief after securing roles so quickly following its closure. The Winslow Hotel, found on Goodison Road, shut its doors in January after 140 years in operation.
The 'People's Pub' first opened in 1886, predating Everton’s move to Goodison Park in 1892. The ECHO previously reported how, over the decades, it welcomed generations of supporters, but visitor numbers dropped sharply after Everton’s men’s team relocated to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium this season.
The closure was announced by general manager Dave Bond in early December. Dave, originally from County Clare and now living in Norris Green, 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 venue’s long legacy came to an end with a sold-out farewell party on Saturday, January 24, attended by hundreds of customers. Less than two weeks later, multiple Winslow staff were offered new roles at The Moody Blues, another Everton FC-themed bar.
Dave Bond from The Winslow Hotel
Dave Bond from The Winslow Hotel(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
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Owner Paul Moody told the ECHO: “I have drunk in the Winslow for over 30 years, so I obviously recognised the girls as they were a mainstay there.
“I went to the closing party and, by chance, got talking to them. I asked if they would be open to a conversation about coming to Moody Blues. I never dreamed they would entertain the idea, but to my delight, they did. We had a meeting, and I was so nervous because I really wanted it to happen - they actually ended up interviewing me.
“They have agreed to manage the bar for me, and I couldn’t be more delighted. It’s the staff who help make a place as special as the Winslow was, and I can’t believe how lucky I am to have the girls and all their staff on board. I can’t wait for the staff and customers to make many more memories for years to come. We have taken on ten new staff members."
Moody Blues Everton original staff members Harry, Abby, Paul and Pauline at the themed bar in Liverpool city centre
Moody Blues Everton original staff members Harry, Abby, Paul and Pauline at the themed bar in Liverpool city centre
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The pub, located along The Strand, was once a home for Liverpool FC supporters under the name Jurgen’s Bierhaus. Following a rebrand by Walton-born Paul Moody and his business partner Paul Egan, it has been transformed into a venue built around two passions: football and a specific genre of music.
On matchdays, flags will be flown both inside and outside the bar, while empty wall spaces will be filled with memorabilia. Items include a signed programme from Everton’s 1984 squad, a signed flag from the club’s 1985 Rotterdam triumph, and one of Neville Southall's red jerseys.
On non-matchdays, the venue will focus on showcasing local musicians. Regardless of the occasion, Paul, who previously worked in hotels, stressed that Liverpool FC supporters are also welcome.
One of the venue’s latest hires is Teresa Walsh, who worked match days at The Winslow for 12 years. During that time, she made lifelong friends, including manager Dave, the pub’s owners, staff, customers, and even former Everton players.
Former Winslow pub staff who have now found work at Moody Blues on The Strand pictured Teresa Walsh with owner Paul Moody
Former Winslow pub staff who have now found work at Moody Blues on The Strand pictured Teresa Walsh with owner Paul Moody.
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She said: "I’ve made lifelong friends with staff and customers, and even ex-Everton players and people behind the scenes on match days. The Winslow was like a family to me and the staff. Unfortunately, with the ground moving, the pub had to close.
“Paul Moody heard that we were looking for work and offered Claire Lou and me management roles, which was a wonderful opportunity. We agreed to work for him, and the rest of the staff wanted to follow too. This is now our new home.”
Claire Lou, who was a supervisor at The Winslow for 11 years, also spoke about the move. She said: "I was very sad and emotional, as The Winslow had been such a big part of my life for so long. I made some amazing friends there, both staff and customers. We became one big family.
“I found it daunting leaving such a fantastic manager in Dave Bond, who it had been a pleasure to work alongside for such a long time. I was worried but delighted to be offered another opportunity so quickly.
“I was grateful that Paul asked us to be part of his new venture, and after speaking to him, it felt like too big an opportunity to turn down. I don’t think he would have let us leave the bar if we’d said no anyway.”
Landlord Dave Bond with staff behind the bar for the farewell party for The Winslow Hotel on Goodison Road
Landlord Dave Bond with staff behind the bar for the farewell party for The Winslow Hotel on Goodison Road
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Winslow Hotel's Dave said he was the manager of the pub, not the owner of the building, and therefore didn't know what would happen to the site. A planning application to turn it into a 26-bed guest house was rejected back in November, with Liverpool City Council’s planning committee citing the “significantly detrimental impact” the proposal would have on residents in the area due to the noise that would be created.
Meanwhile, Dave is preparing to open Dixie's, a new Everton bar located on Dickson Street by the Hill Dickinson stadium. Dave said: "It was quite sad and poignant when the men’s team left Goodison. That tie was pretty much slowly severed. You could say the cord was cut when the club moved and now it's just a case of the curtain coming down."
Asked why he didn't take the Winslow Hotel staff with him to his new venue, Dave confirmed there was no ill-feeling towards any staff members but rather just the timing of the events.
He said the venue "essentially" stop trading at its full last August and since then staff "naturally" found jobs elsewhere. He said: "I am the general manager of the new venture and not the business owner, so I couldn't take a lot of staff with me and many had already moved on."