Prominent St Helens pub building 'under offer'

The Ship Inn on Blackbrook Road, Blackbrook shut last year, with Star readers expressing sadness at its demise.

For decades the pub had served the communities of Blackbrook and Haydock.

Earlier this year the Star reported how the property, which is close to the entrance of Sankey Valley Park, had been listed for sale by agents Savills.

The detached two-storey pub was listed for sale for £250,000.

Given the pub's location and the general public concern over the demise of some historical pub buildings, the future of the building sparked considerable interest among Star readers.

Many voiced the opinion that the empty venue needs to continue as a pub and that urged an investor to come forward and restore the site to its former glories.

READ MORE: Star readers react over future of pub after it is put up for sale

With the pub business proving increasingly challenging, especially during the cost-of-living crisis, the Star has highlight how a number of venues have been placed on the market over the past year. The Horseshoe in Parr, and the Wheatsheaf and the former Punch Tarmey's in St Helens town centre are among those that have been up for sale.

What does the building include?

To the side and rear the property have been substantially extended with single storey flat roof extensions.

To its rear is an enclosed beer patio and service yard.  Overall the site extends to 0.33 acres.

The accommodation is over two storeys, with a ground floor provides a central bar to a public bar with games area. There is a lounge with informal dining over split levels to the side.

Other features include a catering kitchen and stores, ground floor beer cellar and storerooms and office.

On the the first floor there is living accommodation providing four bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen and bathroom, with separate WC.

The pub's sale has led to a discussion over what its future holds.

The pub, pictured in years gone by, has a proud history (Image: St Helens Local History and Archives)

Sadness over closure

Some closed down venues have been turned into residential properties, however, there are pub operators - especially those not tied to big chains - who have made their venues a roaring success.

As reported by the Star in the autumn, 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 the then managers Steve and Kim Padgham for their time at the helm. 

The Star reported that as the pub had been facing financial difficulties, owners Greene King 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.

Last October, hundreds of people reacting to the Ship's closure last week, with tributes, comments, and memories shared from readers:

Here's what readers said at the time.

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."