Jon Hoy, owner of The Fulwood Arms on Fulwood Road in Aigburth, has been running the popular Liverpool pub for the past 14 years. The venue, which traces its roots back to a garage in the 1980s, later became Bas’s wine bar before opening as a bar in 2007. Through various refurbishments, it has evolved into a candle-lit local at the heart of its community.
From Glass Collector to Pub Owner
Hoy, 62, from West Derby, started in the trade as a youngster collecting glasses and worked his way through pubs, clubs, bars, and restaurants across Liverpool. His mother worked as a barmaid at The Fur and Feathers, and all his brothers worked as glass collectors. After working in London and as an area manager for a company with 35 pubs across the North West, he opened the Pacific Bar and Grill in the 2000s.
He was general manager of Circo on the Albert Dock when the opportunity for The Fulwood Arms arose. The landlords wanted someone to take it over, and a chef at Circo asked if he was interested. He took it on, bought it out a couple of years later, and has owned it for 14 years. Manager Jenny Collinson has been with him since the start, and they employ around 10 staff.
Significance of the Name and History
The pub is named after its location next to Fulwood Park. Hoy kept the name because he liked it. Before becoming a pub, the site was a car shop selling car parts, then a greengrocer's, and later Bas’s Wine Bar. When the owners’ father passed away, they created The Fulwood Arms.
Best-Selling Drinks and Unique Offerings
Traditionally, Carling was the best-selling drink, but now Madri leads. The pub has a large gin back bar and a broad selection of spirits, whiskeys, and wines. It offers quiz nights, book exchanges, board games, live sports, and live music every Friday and Saturday night.
Notable Guests and Unusual Events
Ex-Liverpool player Sammy Lee is a regular, visiting nearly every week and referring to the pub as his office. He occasionally brings other ex-Liverpool players. The pub has been hired as a film location and hosts themed quizzes like Harry Potter and Friends.
Spooky Encounters
Hoy has felt a presence in the pub, especially in the cellar and office, but has never seen a ghost. He describes it as feeling spooky at times, as if someone else is in the building.
Community Loyalty and Atmosphere
Hoy emphasizes the loyalty of customers who have supported the pub for 14 years. The pub is self-policed, with customers addressing any untoward behavior. Hoy notes, 'I could not go to the pub for two years, and then I’ll walk in and see the customers, and they’ll all greet me as they saw me last week.' He adds, 'They’re not just customers. They’re very respectful and friendly to staff.'
The pub has a license to serve later but chooses not to. Hoy believes the friendly service keeps people coming back. 'A complete stranger could come into the pub, and you wouldn’t feel like one; you’d feel at home and settled,' he says.
Supporting Local Pubs
Hoy encourages people to support their local pub by using it, respecting it, and being friendly. 'We're a small independent retailer on the high street, so we've got nobody else to support us apart from the customers. We're not backed by a brewery, so we're free of ties,' he explains.
