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
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Strangeways declared ‘threat to national security’ following drone deliveries of drugs, weapons and more
Danny Jones
A recent trend at HMP Manchester has been declared a “threat to national security” after it was learned that drones have been regularly delivering drugs, weapons and more into the facility formerly known as Strangewaysalong with other UK prisons.
It’s said there were roughly 220 drone sightings over the past year or so – more than any other prison in the country – and issues around contraband, violence, hygiene and more have been on the increase ever since. HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire was found to be similarly neglected.
A rife drug and rat problem was found following a surprise autumn inspection between September and October; it is now evident that the chronic issues have been exacerbated by a major security breach as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Prisons, Charlie Taylor, says police have “ceded airspace” over facilities.
The most recent report on conditions at HMP Manchester and Long Lartin was published on Tuesday, 14 January and, in short, it insists that huge investment is needed in order to curb the crisis.
Credit: HM Inspectorate of Prisons
Drones, corruption and a lack of investment have seen Strangeways maintain its reputation
A top-line assessment of Strangeways found that many of the sticking points came down not only to the advent of drones delivering items such as phones, drugs, weapons and other “large payloads” weighing up to as much as 7kg, but merely “poor physical security” and concerns regarding corruption.
Most notably, high-risk prisoners who Taylor described as “extremely dangerous” have been burning holes in cell windows in order to pick up drone deliveries. The ease with which these exchanges are able to take place comes down to what he simply calls “slow action”.
There has been a damning failure to spot, repair and/or replace these panels, as well as the torn netting over exercise yards, meaning that drone operators have an easier task when dropping their packages into the 158-year-old penitentiary.
According to the report, “a staggering 39% of prisoners had tested positive in mandatory drug tests at Manchester” (50% at Long Lartin) and a simple survey found that drugs and alcohol were “easy” to acquire inside Strangeways.
In addition to the rodent infestation, general hygiene looks to have plummeted to new lows in recent times too, with “widespread dirt, damp and litter” as well as vandalism in several areas. Inmates have also been tearing up mattresses to insulate windows from the cold.
Numbers relating to assault, self-harm, suicide and more have also risen since the last major inspection in 2021. By all accounts, it remains one of Britain’s most dangerous prisons for a whole host of reasons.
There has also been a significant drop-off when it comes to socialisation and rehabilitation efforts, as the work day, learning and general activities look to have dwindled too.
Taylor signed off by writing: “The safety of staff, prisoners and ultimately that of the public, is seriously compromised by the failure to tackle what has become a threat to national security.
“The prison service, the police and other security services must urgently confront organised gang activity and reduce the supply of drugs and other illicit items which so clearly undermine every aspect of prison life.” To put it simply, he says the situation is “highly alarming.”
It may not make for pleasant reading, but if you want a clearer picture of the current conditions inside Strangeways prison or to learn more about the growing advent of smuggling drones, you can read the extensive 67-page report in full HERE.
Broken cell windowDamage and dirtThe state of a kitchenette (Credit: HMIP)
Featured Images — Robert Wade (via Flickr)/HMIP (HM Inspectorate of Prisons)
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Murder investigation launched after man in his 50s found dead in Little Hulton
Emily Sergeant
A murder investigation has been launched after the body of a man in his 50s was found in Little Hulton this past weekend.
Shortly before 7:30am on Sunday 12 January, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) was called to an address on Hope Hey Lane, in the Little Hulton area of Salford, following reports of concern for the welfare of a man.
Once emergency services arrived on the scene, the body of a man in his 50s was sadly found dead.
According to GMP, following a post mortem taking place, officers believe the man’s injuries are “consistent with an assault”, and because of this, detectives have subsequently launched a murder investigation.
#ARREST | A murder investigation has been launched after a man was found deceased in Little Hulton yesterday.
A woman in her 40s has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
There will be an increase in police around the area while we investigate.
With the investigation ongoing, a woman in her 40s has already been arrested on suspicion of murder, and she remains in police custody for questioning.
Addressing the incident and speaking on the murder investigation as it progresses, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Sadly, following the discovery of a body at a property in Little Hulton, we have now launched a murder investigation, and we have a team of detectives working around the clock to understand the circumstances.
“We do not believe there to be a threat to the wider public, but you will likely see an increased presence of police in your area whilst we conduct further enquiries.
Hope Hey Lane in Little Hulton, where the incident happened / Credit: Google Maps
“If you have any information which may assist our investigation, or any dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from the area in the lats 24 hours, then please get in touch with us. No matter how small the information may seem, it could be crucial to our investigation.”
Can you help? Any information can be shared by calling police on 101 quoting log 650 of 12/01/25, or using the LiveChat function online at www.gmp.police.uk.
Georgina Pellant -
31st July 2023 
