WIRRAL'S iconic waterfront pub, The Magazine Hotel, is enjoying a momentous milestone this year, as landlord Stephen Brady celebrates 25 years at the pub.
During his time at the historic New Brighton pub, he has survived two recessions, a fire, Covid and price increases whilst winning countless awards.
The Magazine Hotel is a Grade II Listed pub oozing with character and cosy little snugs. Today it offers quality home cooked food, a fine selection of beers and ales, live music, beer and cider festivals, darts and a gem of a garden to the rear.
Steve started out as head barman in 1998 and since becoming landlord in 2012 the pub has won a whole host of awards.
Nestled away in a beautiful pocket of New Brighton on Magazine Brow overlooking the banks of the Mersey, the pub has won awards such as CAMRA’S Pub Of The Year six times and has been featured in The Good Beer Guide. One of the region’s most loved pubs, its recent success is thanks to the efforts of a landlord whose passion is unrivalled.
Steve said: “I’ve just turned 50 and have now spent exactly half of my life at this pub.
"It has seen me as a young lad turn into a family man and there have been so many memories over the years.
"We have low ceilings with original beams and back in the day the rooms were filled with smoke and interesting characters — so much has changed since then although we still get some interesting characters...
He continued: “After working here for 14 years, I took over the lease from Linda Hughes and have kept it as a traditional pub whilst taking it into the 21st Century. I’ve installed clear windows to see the river view, landscaped the garden, introduced award winning ales and ciders, background music, live music at weekends, mini festivals, a darts team and regular food. It really is a labour of love for me.”
Steve runs the pub alongside his partner Mary, who joined him in 2015, and the pair have formed a great team who all share the same community values and deliver excellent service. That said, under different management the pub could have easily become another victim of the squeezed hospitality industry.
Steve said: “The Magazine Hotel is rich in history. It was built in 1759 and named so as it was used for ammunition storage during the Napoleonic Wars — there are still underground tunnels here too.
"It has so much character but it has been a battle to keep it alive at times. We’ve had so much change with different breweries, price and energy cost increases, lockdowns and even a fire but we’ve always adapted.”y
“The current brewery, Mitchel & Butler, has been great and they have trusted my experience — giving me lots of freedom. The good relationship has been important as running a pub is so tough these days. Our relationship with the local community is also so important and the likes of The Magazine Bowling Club, founded in 1853, helps support us year round.
Talking about the best memories and a burning question, Steve, added: “One of the best and busiest days was when The Three Queens ships came in 2015 — that was unbelievable!
"The scariest moment was the fire — it was caused by a faulty electrical wire and fortunately it just singed some of the beams before we caught it.
"Oh and as to the answer to your other question — yes it is haunted by a little girl.”
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