Landlords at Stockport gastro pub The Midway have left punters welling up after sharing news of their planned retirement in an emotional tribute.
Posting on the pub’s Facebook page on Sunday, 30 July, married couple Paul and Pauline – who have been fixtures at the pub ever since 1999 – revealed they had taken the decision to retire this October in order to spend more time with their family.
The couple shared their heartfelt thanks to both customers and staff as they revealed their last day at the pub would be on 1 October 2023.
They also reflected on three decades spent serving the people of Stockport, 25 of which have been dedicated to The Midway.
In that period, the duo has taken the boozer from a dilapidated shell to one of the region’s best pubs – leading it to take home the North West Pub of the Year Award this year.
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Reflecting on their time there, they told followers: “We are both so proud of what we have achieved at The Midway over the last 25 years.
“When we arrived in January 1999, the pub was closed and in disrepair and now, in our final year of trading, we were thrilled to win the North West Pub of the Year Award, which is something that we and our team are elated by and it is a perfect note for us to end on.”
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Image: The MIdway
Image: The Midway
They continued to thank their front-of-house and kitchen teams by name, before adding: “The Midway has built its reputation as a premium food destination in Stockport and that is as a direct result of all our team operating at the top of their game.”
Writing that it had been a ‘privilege’ to serve the people of Stockport for so many years, they added: “we are so thankful for the great number of you who have supported us during these years and who we now proudly call friends.”
As a testament to the landlords’ popularity, since being shared last night the post has been liked over 400 times and been inundated with comments from well-wishers – many of whom, it seems, have been there right from the start.
One person wrote: “I wish you both all the best in your new chapter. I loved working with you both at the Blarney, and also the Midway at the very start. I have some great memories, and i have made some great friends along the way.
“You have both put 100% into everything that you do, and it shows! What a fabulous place, you have built. From excellent food to friendly welcoming staff. I am sure your team will miss you both very much. Good luck and lots of love, Mr and Mrs T.”
Another person said: “Best of luck with whatever you have planned next, had some great times in the Blarney and the Midway. You both will be sadly missed. But all the best.”
A third added: “Was great being there in the early days of both pubs and having a good laugh ( usually at my expense) along the way…. Running down St Petersgate shouting after Deaf Michael has to be up there. Wishing you both the best of luck for the future and here’s hoping Paul and his brother don’t take up singing again”
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A fourth wrote: “13 years ago I met a friend one evening for some tea & fudge cake & as the cake arrived I went into labour with my son! Luckily, I only lived opposite at the time ”
Owners confirmed their last day at the pub would be 1 October, adding that they “look forward to seeing The Midway go from strength to strength and continue to build in its next chapter.”
Featured image – The Midway
News
Claire’s is closing down stores in the UK and Ireland with more than 1,300 jobs set to be lost
Danny Jones
In another hit to domestic shoppers, Claire’s Accessories is closing down en masse across the UK and Ireland after entering into administration once again.
Falling into an unfortunate financial status for the second time in less than a year, Claire’s will be shutting down all of their standalone stores across Britain, along with their IE branches.
A total of 154 stores will soon disappear, with more than a thousand people set to be put out of work.
Once a mainstay of British high streets up and down the country, the accessory shop known for all things jewellery, piercings and more has ceased trading effective immediately.
Announced at the start of the week and the end of the first full month of Q2, it was confirmed that Claire’s closed their final locations on Monday, 27 April.
With administrators, Kroll, appointed to wrap up business proceedings, an estimated 1,300 English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh workers have now lost their jobs.
Founded way back in 1961 over in the United States, Claire’s has operated across the Atlantic for more than three decades.
However, with various other contemporaries and cheaper online options having appeared over the years, they’ve struggled not just to remain profitable but to compete full stop.
They most recently filed for bankruptcy in the US this past August (2025), with their Belgian, Spanish, and Dutch divisions having already called it quits.
Manchester location(s) have changed a lot over time, but now they’re on the way out (Credit: Arndale)
For many, the outcome isn’t all that surprising, but it will nevertheless be a sad loss for many who have seen multiple generations visit these venues over the years.
Manchester Storm announce return to AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades
Danny Jones
In a huge bit of regional sporting news, Manchester Storm have announced they will be coming home to the AO Arena after nearly two and a half decades away from the iconic venue.
Massive news for Manc ice hockey followers and local sports fans in general.
Revealing the long-awaited return after 24 long years away from the place where Manchester’s native hockey team first began its story, the team, AO figures, and even some fans were part of a special announcement event inside the 20,000-seater stadium this week.
Confirming the news on Monday, 27 April, MCR Storm will be back playing at the AO Arena later this year – just in time for the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
— Manchester Storm | #TakeShelter (@Mcr_Storm) April 27, 2026
As detailed in a full press release from the Greater Manchester club, they are seemingly marking a milestone moment in their next chapter by going back to their roots.
It goes on to read: “Founded back in 1995 as a tenant of the then newly-opened Manchester Arena, the original Manchester Storm quickly became one of British ice hockey’s most iconic teams.
“In their inaugural season, the Storm secured the First Division championship before becoming founding members of the Ice Hockey Superleague in 1996.”
Coming somewhat full circle more than a generation later (Storm having made it to the play-off finals of the modern Elite Ice Hockey League era this April for the first time in their history), they have made one-off returns to the storied space in recent times.
However, many supporters have been waiting for a fully fledged return for some time now; equally, others are understandably sad to pay a bittersweet goodbye to the ‘Storm Shelter’ over in Altrincham, with the building having already pulled licensing for next year.
They have been at the Planet Ice rink for over a decade now, and the company itself have even issued a lengthy response following the departure – namely noting the issue of communication, clarity and fair notice. Nevertheless, for the vast majority, this felt like a long-overdue comeback.
With an ex-player turned head coach and all-round club legend, Cam Critchlow, having also signed on for another campaign behind the bench, it’s been a busy week in and around the organisation.
Representing the Manchester Storm ownership group, former coach Ryan Finnerty and partner Emma said in a joint statement: “This is a major milestone for our partnership group and a vision we’ve worked towards for some time.
Returning Manchester Storm to the AO Arena is a proud moment for everyone involved. It’s about giving our fans a premier stage in the heart of the city and delivering an outstanding live experience.
“Together with our leadership team and Canadian partners, our ambition is clear — not just to compete, but to lead in the Elite Ice Hockey League and beyond. This marks the start of an exciting new era for the club. Manchester Storm is coming home.
“Today marks a hugely exciting and significant moment for both the Manchester Storm and the Elite League”. The EIHL themselves have also celebrated the news, adding that they feel it reflects “the scale and ambition of the league”.
Are you happy to see them setting up shop at the AO Arena once again? Better still, do you remember going there to watch games the first time around? Let us know down in the comments.
Georgina Pellant -
31st July 2023 
