The Sefton pub keeping beloved former landlord's memory alive

In May 2023, the much-loved former manager of the Sefton Arms pub, Matty Williams, passed away after a battle with bowel cancer.

With Matty at the helm for 22 years, the Sefton was often a feature in the Good Beer Guide and was renowned for its real ale offerings.

The pub was also recognised by the Best Bar None programme, which rewards businesses providing a high standard of service, and it became known as a live music hub as Matty helped to organise successive Westfield Street Music Festivals.

With the Sefton helping to raise more than £3,500 for Matty's family following his passing, a funeral memorial card and framed picture of the dad-of-three stands proud above his former bar - while staff work hard to retain his high standards and offer the highest service to customers.

READ > 'You won't be disappointed': Mum launches town centre's newest family takeaway

Inside the Baldwin Street pub (Image: St Helens Star)
With cooked breakfasts, tasty small plates, and hearty pub lunches on offer at the Sefton, deputy manager Amy Cooke said that the Stonegate-owned pub tries to offer something for everyone in St Helens town centre.

This includes a variety of food and drinks deals throughout the week, while also offering a range of beers, spirits, cocktails, and its popular cask ale selection.

The large pub has a variety of food and drink options (Image: St Helens Star)
Although Amy admitted that it can be difficult to attract footfall in St Helens town centre, she said a loyal base of regulars helps to support the Baldwin Street pub, while particularly busy periods are felt when Saints are at home or have televised away matches.

Towards the end of the week, the Sefton also hosts DJs, live singers, and jam nights, which is something that the team see as important in carrying on Matty's legacy.

The pub is particularly bust for Saints games and live music nights (Image: St Helens Star)
Amy, who joined the Sefton team in March, said: "I came from a busy pub in Chester city centre, so it has been a bit of a shift as it can be difficult to get people in off the street.

"But we have some great regulars, and that's why we try to offer something different throughout the week and try new things to attract people into the pub.

"A lot of people have spoken about Matty since I joined so I think we need to keep the standards he set and keep the music nights alive in his memory."

The pub keeps a framed image and memorial card of Matty above the bar (Image: St Helens Star) The Sefton pub, on Baldwin Street in St Helens town centre (Image: St Helens Star)