The Winslow Hotel, a historic pub on Goodison Road that served generations of Everton FC supporters, failed to sell at auction on July 9, 2026, six months after its closure. The property, which first opened in 1886 and became a focal point for matchday crowds, received a single bid of £350,000 — well below the recommended starting price of £427,500 — and did not meet the reserve price.
Background and closure
The Winslow Hotel predates Everton's move to Goodison Park in 1892 and quickly became the go-to pub for fans, earning the nickname 'People's Pub'. It hosted celebrations of triumphs and reflections on struggles, cementing its place in Everton's fan culture. However, after the men's team relocated to the new Hill Dickinson Stadium last year, visitor numbers plummeted, leading to its closure.
Before shutting, the pub witnessed two historic events: Everton men's team's last home game at Goodison Park on May 18, 2025, and a farewell party in January 2026 attended by hundreds. General manager Dave Bond said the pub was no longer financially viable due to the collapse in matchday trade, as Everton Women's matches at Goodison Park draw only 3,000 to 6,000 fans compared to the men's crowds of over 40,000.
Auction details and outcome
The property was listed by Pattinson for an online auction with a recommended starting bid of £427,500. The listing described it as an exciting mixed-use redevelopment opportunity, with proposed plans (not yet approved) to retain part of the pub at ground floor while adding retail and residential accommodation. The legal pack confirmed the property was last purchased in 2014 for £107,380 by Ian Rossiter, who also applied in 2024 to convert upper floors into a 20-room hotel, a plan refused in November 2025.
During the auction on July 9, the only bid was £350,000. The agent confirmed the reserve was not met, so no sale was agreed. There is no confirmation on when or if the property will be relisted.
Future uncertainty
The pub's future remains uncertain. The marketing materials included an indicative scheme for retaining part of the pub for continued license use or alternative community use, along with three ground-floor retail units and six two-bedroom apartments. However, no planning consent has been granted, and interested parties must rely on their own planning enquiries.
