19/04/2026
Hi folks Just a post to explain the past few months . Firstly The Closure of The Winslow has been very much an emotional journey .. so much that ive got 100s of photo's that need posting from such happy matchday memories over the past 12 years right up to the amazing Farewell Party on January 24th . This i will certainly still do.
From a personal standpoint Since I got involved with The Winslow in 2014 the support of the Everton fanbase has been phenomenal. Of course this support goes back to the inception of The Grand Old Lady in 1892 .
The Winslow became an intrinsic part of the matchday rituals for generations of Evertonians near and wide .
In my eyes It's always been much more than a boozer . Entrenched in the fabric of Evertons DNA .Ex Players Jack Borthwick and Norman Greenhalgh both became Licensees after their playing careers finished .
It Became the Local for The Great Dixie after he retired. His iconic image has been on The Main Sign over The Front Door for the best part of 100 years .
Which brings me onto Dixie's on Dickson Street a venue which i hoped I could try recreate the Winslow Matchday vibe . Have some fantastic Ex Player Nights and generally give the Everton fanbase a go to destination Pub .
The feedback from so many fans since HD Stadium opened last summer was that there was a huge nostalgic longing for something similar . So much so I got involved as General Manager , looking to fill this niche with this project Dixie's on Dickson Street. I also Had the wonderful support of Dixies Grandchildren Julie & David which was very welcoming.
Since October last I was also Managing Meraki next door to Dixie's.
This was indeed a challenge to run both venues but my main priority and energy would have been focused on Dixies .
To see so many Winslow regulars come in and support since last October has been such a heartwarming humbling experience .
However as time progressed It was becoming apparent to me that I was going to struggle to Manage The Venues in a way that I could in some way go close to finding that matchday niche for The Fantastic Fanbase we are so blessed to have.
Over time I wasn't seeing eye to eye with The Business owners . We definitely had different ideas and I felt I was being restricted in what I wanted to do in creating something similar to what The Winslow offered .
Since November I also had took on the Tenancy at a Country Pub Restaurant, The Plough Inn Lathom .This was also taking it's Toll on my time and energy.
So something had to give , So on March 31st I parted company with Meraki & Dixie's and am no longer involved with matchday venues .
I am going to focus all my energy on The Plough Inn which has been going in the right direction. The food is excellent and am working on improving all aspects of the business. A venue which in the past had a fantastic reputation , a traditional Rustic Country Pub Restaurant.
So Today on Derby Day and probably our Biggest game of the season . I will actually be gping to my first ever Derby and hopefully many more games with having more free time now on matchdays.
So I hope to see you all the other side of The Bar for a Beer and a chat 🍺 🍻 😉
Having made so many friends over the past 12 years it will also be a welcome change to see everyone from a more relaxed standpoint.
Hope we all have a cracking Day today and we get the 3 point's to push us up the Table.
Thanks again to everyone for all the support through the Years ..it's been immeasurable 🙏
Dave
