The Postern Gate pub on St Austins Lane in Warrington has permanently closed its doors after the final whistle of the England vs Mexico World Cup match on July 6, 2026. The owners described the closure as "heartbreaking" in a statement announcing the end of the venue "as we've all come to know it."
Background and Ownership
Lee Watkinson and Mike Hinton acquired the pub in July 2024 with the goal of making it a community hub offering free legal and mental health services to guests. They refurbished the venue and installed a new sound system.
Closure Announcement
The statement said: "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." The owners added that the decision was "simply out of [our] control."
"If we're honest... none of us ever imagined we'd be writing these words. We've laughed together, cried together, celebrated birthdays, promotions, engagements and weddings," the statement continued. "We've watched football, darts, boxing, live music, karaoke and thousands of unforgettable nights unfold inside those four walls."
Community Impact
The statement highlighted the pub's role in fostering friendships and relationships: "Lifelong friendships have been made, relationships have started, and for many people Postern became far more than just a pub. It became home."
Despite the closure, the team has moved to a new location at The Empire on Bridge Street, just 156 metres away. The statement reassured customers: "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."
New Beginning
The statement concluded with an invitation: "This isn't the end of our community. If anything, it's the beginning of something even bigger. ... So let's make tomorrow one to remember. 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."
