Former site of The Mons pub, Breeze Hill, Bootle,(Image: LDRS)Speculation continues about the fate of a much-loved community pub which has been shut for more than a year as companies rumoured to be taking over the site denied any involvement.
The Mons, in Bootle, was once the focal point for communities on the edge of Walton and Bootle, having opened in 1966. More recently, the site was taken over by Mitchells & Butlers’ Stonehouse chain. But, after a slow period earlier last year, the pub closed down permanently in July 2024.
Since then rumours have been rife including proposals to turn the site into a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant. However, the Liverpool ECHO was able to confirm this was not the case and that McDonald’s had registered no interest in taking on the project.
The Liverpool ECHO visited the site earlier this week and found boarded up windows, overgrown grass and a sectioned off car park surrounded by metal fencing.
This week we received a number of new messages about the possible future of the former pub site, including the possibility of a Greggs drive-thru and a Starbucks. The ECHO contacted both retailers who either refused to comment or did not respond to our enquiry.
Nonetheless, the ECHO understands that proposals have been drawn up which would see the development of the vacant site and transform it into a ‘mini retail park’ with maps drawn up appearing to show two large retail units.
A spokesperson for Mitchells & Butlers said: “We are currently in early-stage negotiations with a prospective party regarding the potential sale of the Mons, Bootle site.
“At this point, discussions are preliminary and no agreements have been finalised.”
Former site of The Mons pub, Breeze Hill, Bootle, 2024(Image: Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)One clue as to the future proposals for the land came a few months ago when a notice was displayed on metal fencing around the car park area. The note stated: “Please be aware the car park at the former Mons public house, 36-38 Breeze Hill, Bootle, is private land and third party usage/occupation is not permitted by the landowner.
“This car park will be secured from 11th April 2025 and any cars should be removed before this date. Any cars remaining in this car park after this date shall be removed at the cost of the car owner.”
Bootle-based Facebook groups have also been full of speculation and a number of posts raised the possibility of a Greggs and a Starbucks – even though there are no plans on the Sefton Council planning portal.
The Greggs and Starbucks rumours were met with a mixture of excitement and caution – many welcomed the upgrade to the now vacant lot whilst others worried about the proximity to the nearby Hillside High School.
What seems certain is that The Mons will not be returning and people interested in the site’s future need to watch this space.