The Jawbone Tavern on Litherland Road in Bootle has been named the ECHO readers' favourite pub in Merseyside. The venue, one of the region's oldest establishments, first opened its doors in 1802, with its name referencing the whaling fleets once based at Bootle Docks.
Over the years, the pub has weathered many changes, but one constant has been its current manager, who has been pulling pints at The Jawbone for five decades. For many customers, the sense of familiarity and consistently friendly, reliable service helped make it the top choice.
Maritime origins and survival through war
The Jawbone Tavern has survived two world wars, including the Bootle Blitz, the closure of many pubs due to the decline of working life on the northern docks, and the Coronavirus pandemic. It has served countless thousands of people in Bootle Village for over 200 years.
It first opened in 1802 as a spot for dock workers to take respite. During Germany's invasion of Poland in 1939, the pub was run by Jock McNab, a Reds midfielder who helped bring home the title in 1922 and 1923. After his playing career, Jock worked in the pub for over two decades. The pub, reportedly haunted, was popular with Premier League players, including legendary Everton forward Dixie Dean.
The friendly face everybody knows
Visitors are likely to be greeted by Dave McNally, who started as a glass collector in 1976 and is now the manager. This year marks five decades of pint pulling and hospitality. He told the ECHO: "I was 17 collecting glasses and now I'm still collecting glasses. I still love it because no day is ever the same. The pub isn't the same either, it's just change after change at the minute but it's all good change. The pub is absolutely booming and we're busier than ever."
He added: "In terms of thinking about the past, you've just got to always move forward. In this game you can't look back because if you stand still you get swallowed up."
Thank you for everyone who voted
After the vote, the team were left speechless. The Jawbone's owner, Jon Hewitt, said: "Thank you for everyone who voted for us. It means the world to see all the management and staff's hard work being recognised."
He continued: "We know everyone who comes in. We've created a close knit community, and Dave is at the centre of it. It's a real honour to be voted the best. I can't believe it."
Hewitt added: "Hopefully now we have been voted as Merseyside's best, even more people will come and see what is so special about it. Thank you to everyone who voted. We wanted to have a pub that Bootle could be proud off and I think we did it."
