The manager of the pub at the heart of the village said he’s ‘never had a bad day at work’
22:14, 15 Apr 2025Updated 22:19, 15 Apr 2025
Edmond Nikaj has worked at The Windmill for the past 13 years(Image: SUPPLIED PIC)
A pub manager says he has “never had a bad day at work” and he owes it all to where it’s situated. Just 20 miles from Liverpool is the stunning village of Parbold, which was named one of the best places to live in the UK, and it’s easy to see why.
Parbold, located in Lancashire, was recognised in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2025. The Sunday Times judges remarked: “The village of Parbold delivers history, convenience, and culture in the space of less than one square mile, along with a hearty dose of community spirit that creates a happy blend.
“From dance classes for parents, grandparents, and babies at the Women’s Institute to bridge classes in the hall and poetry mornings at the library, there’s no shortage of activities to get involved in.”
And, pub manager, Edmond Nikaj, 51, who has worked at The Windmill, at the heart of the village for the past 13 years has revealed exactly why he will “never leave.”
The Windmill has been a cornerstone of the picturesque village for 230 years. First opened in 1794, it served villagers and farmers who brought their grain to the nearby windmill. The pub has recently undergone a significant renovation and looks fantastic.
Dad-of-two, Ed, told the ECHO: “The people make it. We [The Windmill] have a good relationship with all our customers and the people in Parbold. The locals are great, we have the banter, positive vibes, we share happiness and positive thoughts, it’s good.
“I’ve never had a bad day, I’ve never said I don’t want to go to work today. Even when it’s a bad day I always feel positive to come to work. There’s always good banter with all the customers, we do a quiz on a Monday night, it brings people out in the village. It’s a good community, it has a good feel. My ethos is customers of The Windmill are my friends and my social life.”
The Windmill in Parbold(Image: SUPPLIED PIC)
Ed says the pub has changed “quite a lot” over the last 13 years. He said: “When I first started I was just an assistant manager, but I’ve been here that long I’m now the manager.
“I’ve worked with hundreds of staff over that time. Some have been from the village, some have been kids who were just 16 or 17 when they started and they have gone on to travel the world, some are doctors. It’s so nice to be part of their lives.”
But some of the memories will stay with Ed “forever.” He said: “When we opened after covid, we had a marquee outside, it was pouring down, there was water everywhere but people still came out to see us. I’ve made so many good friends here in Parbold and at this pub, we’ve had so many great memories.
“In December our new owner, Andrew Michail, invested a lot of money into the pub and made some major changes, for the better. He has opened a new bar downstairs, there’s more seating and it’s had a great response from the people in the village. It has been the best investment in the village for a long long time, it will be here for longer than I am here.
He added: “The Windmill is a fixture for the village and it attracts people from all over, from surrounding areas like Wigan, Southport, Leyland and Formby. I call Parbold, ‘Parbados’, and the people are so important. It’s a very unique place and has been basically half of my 25 years in the UK, I will stay here.”
And for many of its residents, like Christine Clayton, the owner of Parbold Deli, this village has been their home for several decades, and it’s clear why the village is thought of so highly.
Christine, 56, told the ECHO: “I’ve been here a long time, I’ve known the area for fifty-odd years but I’ve only owned this shop for just over two years. I would say in that time I don’t think Parbold has changed much. There are a few extra houses but not a lot, not compared to other areas where houses pop up all over the place.“
The Windmill has undergone a huge refurbishment (Image: SUPPLIED PIC)
James Black, manager at Margot Wine Bar and Eatery, also situated in the stunning village, added: “Everyone knows everyone and to me, that is what is so great about Parbold. I think one of my favourite examples of how great this village is is there is a woman who comes in here called Margret and she bought a book for my son because she heard he likes reading, so I gave her a hug.
“Then, the next day someone came in and said I saw you hugging that lady, she is always out picking up litter in the village and that just really sums it up for me.“
And, wine bar owner Neil Cooper, told the ECHO how the area was the perfect place for him to open his new bar. He said he has fallen in love with the area so much he is now looking to move to Parbold from Wirral. He said: “It’s a great little village with a massive community spirit. Since opening we have had such a warm welcome from the locals and everyone seems happy with what we have done.
“I don’t actually live here myself, I live on the Wirral, but I wanted to open a business here because the area was known to me and the opportunity came about. It’s been great and now I’m actually looking to move over here, I love it, I love the quiet and the countryside, the views at the top of Parbold Hill are beautiful.”