New research from HEINEKEN SmartDispense® has revealed just how much Brits love a ghost story with their pint – with almost a third saying they’re more likely to visit a pub if it’s said to be haunted, and 81% drawn to venues with a legendary past.
And in Stockport, one of the UK’s oldest pubs – The White Lion – is at the heart of the action. Dating back to the 1400s and steeped in centuries of spooky folklore, the centuries-old pub has long intrigued locals.
Now, General Manager Mark Chalmers is sharing what it’s really like to run the haunted pub in thelatest episode of Three Landlords Walk Into a Bar, a new podcast powered by HEINEKEN SmartDispense® and hosted by publicans Jodie Kidd and Merlin Griffiths.
“When you’re alone in the basement, that’s where all the hocus pocus happens. The air changes. There are strange noises. You just know you’re not alone.”
From sightings of a woman who allegedly died by suicide upstairs, to doors slamming without explanation and things going bump in the night, Mark says the pub’s haunted history has become a real talking point for punters – some even requesting to hold summonings on-site.
“We had ghosthunters come in back in 2007 – and they found things they couldn’t explain. I had a customer who went into a room and the door behind her slammed.’’ says Mark.
Far from putting people off, it’s part of the pub’s charm. The White Lion remains a key part of the Stockport community and is cherished by locals. And with 74% of Brits recommending pubs based on their weird or wonderful history, it’s clear haunted heritage is a powerful pull.
The full podcast episode is now live on Apple,Spotify & YouTube – with more ghost stories, pub legends and behind-the-bar secrets from landlords across the country.
