Are we about to say goodbye to another pub in Stone, writes new Little Bit of Stone reporter Jack Taylor.
Well it certainly seems this way as we prepare to say a ‘Bonnie Farewell’ to the Bonnie Gem in Pirehill Lane, Walton, which closed its doors recently. The pub has stood there for over 43 years, had numerous landlords and has pulled thousands of pints, but seems to have closed for good.
The Gem was built in 1969 and opened in the same year. It used to host numerous events including Jazz Nights, Elvis Nights and had its own football team, Bonnie Gem FC.
Early last year the pub landlord at the time stopped opening and sold to the last standing landlord, who also owned a pub in Stoke. Due to the lack of trade the brewery late last year decided to put the pub up for sale.
To start with it had an opening bid (amount not given) as long as the planning permisson came through so the builder could build houses. This however has not been ruled out as Christie & Co, the selling agency, has not replied to emails that I’ve sent appealing for information.
A Bonnie Gem regular said: “It used to be the heart of the community, it was a real place for a get-together and it was the sort of pub where no matter what age, gender or size we would all get on. We used to have a real laugh when we had different teams over for our pool, darts and table football tournaments. Everyone was so friendly. It’s such a shame it’s gone. It will be sadly missed.”
If you have any information or have a story to tell about The Gem, please email news@alittlebitofstone.com
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4 comments
Damien McArdle
My grandad used to be a landlord there in the early 1980’s, and I used to go to the Gem for the summer holidays when I was at school. I have so many memories of the pub and the surrounding area, and of course the people I met, many of whom are still great friends 40 years on.
Kate Osiecki
I didn’t really use the pub all that much not through dislike I have just always lived the opposite side of town. . However I have enjoyed a rare night out there and it is a shame. . This place is someone’s local and you can get quite protective about that. . Just another loss for stone and tick for another business this recession has claimed 🙁
Jack Taylor
Really was a great pub shame the economy is taking over.
4mula Dave
On my 18th birthday I bought my dear old dad a pint, legally, for the first time. Some smashing memories of a great pub in it’s heyday.