At The Grasshopper in Hillside, Southport, regulars have become more than just customers, with some now jetting off on holidays together. Owner Philip Harvey says the pub has become a place where friendships are formed over the bar, with some customers going from barely knowing each other to considering themselves close friends.
Philip, 41, who owns the pub with his wife Katherine, has been there for almost three years. He believes the pub's role in fostering such connections reflects what a local pub should be. Originally from West Derby but now living in Maghull, Philip spoke to the ECHO about his connection to the pub, its community importance, and running the business during The Open.
From Bank to Pub
The building that houses The Grasshopper used to be a bank, believed to be Martin's Bank, and the grasshopper logo inspired the pub's name. Some bank memorabilia, like an old money bag, is still on display.
Philip and Katherine took over the pub from her parents, who had opened it and were approaching retirement. Before purchasing, they each did six months of work experience as managers to learn the ropes. This helped ensure a smooth transition for the community, as the core customers knew what was happening.
Community and Friendship at the Heart
Philip describes a loyal core of regulars, some of whom come in five, six, or seven days a week. He notes that many customers have become his friends, with about 50 or 60 phone numbers in his contacts under “Grasshopper.”
November has become an annual trip for a group of pub regulars, with 19 people going to Krakow this year. Previous trips have included Albufeira, Salou, and Prague. Philip says Friday nights feel like a night out because he gets to see his friends. He also highlights how groups of individuals who met at the pub now consider themselves friends, with a group of eight regularly meeting on Fridays.
Supporting the Local Pub
Philip encourages people to support their local pub by simply going, even for a quick drink, and using it as a social meeting place. He acknowledges the pub industry is tough, with changing habits since Covid and the rise of online socialising.
The Grasshopper aims to offer something different, and Philip notes that people travel far to visit and often return. “Anyone can do anything once but when people make that double effort to return, that tells you that you’ve got to be doing something right,” he said.
