Postern Gate, a beloved pub in Warrington, has closed permanently following England's dramatic last-16 victory over Mexico in the World Cup. The final whistle at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City marked the end of 27 years of service for the popular boozer on St Austins Lane.
Pub's History and Features
Opened in 1999, Postern Gate was known for showing live sport, hosting live music and DJs, and offering a weekly quiz, dartboards, and pool tables. It featured 10 indoor TVs and the largest outdoor screen in the town. The pub also served a range of alcohol and was popular for its food, including a highly rated full English breakfast.
In July 2024, military veterans Lee Watkinson and Mike Hinton took over the pub and carried out an interior refurbishment the following year.
Heartbreaking Decision
The owners described the closure as "heartbreaking" and "out of your control." A spokesperson told the Warrington Guardian: "When the final whistle blows at the end of the England game, it won't just signal the end of 90 minutes of football. It will also be the final whistle for Postern Gate as we've all come to know it. If we're honest, none of us ever imagined we'd be writing these words."
The spokesperson added: "We've laughed together, cried together, celebrated birthdays, promotions, engagements and weddings. We've watched football, darts, boxing, live music, karaoke and thousands of unforgettable nights unfold inside those four walls. Lifelong friendships have been made, relationships have started, and for many people Postern became far more than just a pub. It became home."
Move to Empire Warrington
It has been confirmed that the pub management and staff will move to Empire Warrington, a live music and entertainment venue in the town centre. The spokesperson said: "You'll still see the same smiling faces behind the bar. The same DJs behind the decks. The same security on the doors. The same management team. The same crazy nights, karaoke, sport, laughter and memories. This isn't the end of our community. If anything, it's the beginning of something even bigger."
They added: "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has supported us through the good times, the difficult times and everything in between. Your loyalty, kindness and friendship have meant more than you'll ever know. Raise a glass. Sing one more song. Celebrate everything Postern Gate has been. Then on Monday, walk the 156 metres around the corner with us and let's write the next chapter together. Same family. Same atmosphere. Same people. Just a new home. We'll be waiting for you at Empire Warrington."
