Star readers react to closure of popular Blackbrook pub the Ship Inn

As reported by the Star, staff at the Ship Inn closed its doors for good on Sunday, October 22, with hundreds of readers sharing memories of their times frequenting the pub over the years.

There was also a significant expression of frustration as the closure has left the area without any traditional boozers, while many thanked managers Steve and Kim Padgham for their time at the helm. 

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The Ship pulled its last pint on Sunday, October 22 (Image: Google Maps)
As the pub has been facing financial difficulties, Greene King is said to have put the business up for sale in the summer, with the intention to sell it on to another brewery and continue its life as a pub.

However, as no bids came in for the business, it is believed that the independent operator who runs the pub closed the business due to its financial difficulties and handed the lease back to the brewery.

This meant that the pub served its final pints on Sunday evening, with Steve and Kim saying that it was a "really good, emotional" weekend at the Blackbrook Road pub.

The pub has been a popular drinking den for decades (Image: St Helens Local History and Archives)
With hundreds of people reacting to the Ship's closure last week, here are a handful of tributes, comments, and memories shared from readers:

Joan Armstrong said: "I remember this lovely place through the years. It's very sad that it's closing its doors it's served Haydock for a long time now. Yet another one bites the dust!"

Wendy Jane commented: "Sorry to hear this news. This is a really historic building linked to the canal and industrial era in the area. Hope the actual building can survive as something if not a pub."

Jonny Burke wrote: "Good memories in that pub, especially at Christmas time with friends and family."

Sharon Highcock said: "So sad was a great pub and I worked there for years."

Mary Fagan wrote: "Very sad I have been a few times in the past for Sunday lunches was fabulous."

Geraldine Lunt said: "Had many good nights in there that I can remember and many I can’t!"

Rebel Ryder wrote: "One of the few places I remember [in St Helens]. Meeting my grandparents and family for the first time at The Ship Inn back in 1994. My mother moved to Australia and after 25 years we met our family in St Helens in 94. So sad to think it's all changed now."

Garry Atherton said: "I remember [I] used to get two buses from Rainhill on Friday nights for the disco late 70s - brilliant."

Rach Eust commented: "My firstt pub job at 18, worked there for years with Julie Bell Lindsay Vint and loads of other fab girls. Was one of the friendliest, nicest pubs in the 90’s. Had fantastic regulars and other customers too. So sad to see it close."

Lindsay Vint said: "I worked there for 16 years, was only supposed to be whilst I was at college but loved it that much I stayed on, so many great memories."

Ann Lester said: "Such a shame …no local pubs left - sad times."

Susan Delves wrote: "The Ship in its day was great, so sad it's closing."