UK town pub closes for good after England World Cup match | UK | News
Bar closure described as ‘heartbreaking’ (Image: Getty)
A beloved pub in an English town has called for full-time following England’s thrilling World Cup last-16 victory over Mexico. As the final whistle blew at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium, the popular drinker said goodbye to his loyal customers after 27 years of service.
Located on St Austins Lane in Warrington, Postern Gate is known for hosting live sports shows and live music and DJs. Home to 10 indoor TVs and the largest outdoor screen in the city, the distillery also hosts a weekly quiz and has dartboards and pool tables. Postern Gate is popular for its range of alcohol, as well as its food, including its highly rated full English breakfast. But the pub has now closed for good, with owners describing the decision as “heartbreaking” and “out of your control”.
As reported by Warden of WarringtonA spokesman for the pub said: “When the final whistle blows at the end of the England game, it doesn’t just signal the end of 90 minutes of football.
“As we all know, this will also be the final whistle for Postern Gate. To be honest, none of us ever imagined we would write these words.
“We laughed together, we cried together, we celebrated birthdays, promotions, engagements, weddings. We watched football, darts, boxing, live music, karaoke and thousands of unforgettable nights within these four walls.
“Lifelong friendships were formed, relationships began and for many people Postern became much more than a bar. It became home.
“Unfortunately, some things in life are out of your control. As heartbreaking as it was, this chapter is over.”
Postern Gate opened in 1999 and has recently fallen into the hands of my veterans Lee Watkinson and Mike Hinton. The duo took over the drink in July 2024 before undertaking an interior renovation the following year.
Postern Gate is completely closed (Image: Google Maps Street View)
It has been confirmed that the pub’s management and staff will be relocating to popular live music and entertainment venue Empire Warrington in the city centre. “This is the beginning of something bigger,” the spokesman said.
They continued: “You’ll still see the same smiling faces behind the bar. Same DJs behind the decks. Same security at the doors. Same management team.”
“The same wild nights, karaoke, sports, laughter and memories. This isn’t the end of our community. In fact, it’s the beginning of something bigger.”
They added: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has supported us through the good times, the tough times and everything in between.
“Your loyalty, kindness, and friendship mean more than you realize. Raise a glass. Sing another song. Celebrate all that Postern Gate is.
“So walk the 156 meters around the corner with us on Monday and let’s write the next chapter together.
“Same family. Same atmosphere. Same people. Just a new house. We’ll be waiting for you at Empire Warrington.”
