Bold Hotel – Then and Now
Steeped in History, The Bold Hotel was originally constructed in 1832 by Thomas Mawdsley, built in late Georgian Style. One of Southport’s first substantial hotels, then called ‘The Bold Arms’ and was very much admired when built back when Southport was still a village. Opened by Mr John Halfrey who continued to hold the licence for over forty years.
Situated on one of the most beautiful boulevards in Britain amidst the Victorian grandeur of Lord Street. It is said that the exiled Prince Louis Napoleon stayed at the hotel during his visit in 1838, he is believed to have admired the elegance of Lord Street so much that it is often claimed to be the inspiration behind the famous tree-lined boulevards of Paris.
A former Coach House with 40 stables the hotel has undergone many changes during its life and its famous guests include, The Rolling Stones, Lester Piggot and the most famous of them all, Red Rum. The latter was a repeat guest of honour at The Bold, having slept in the now function room the night of his first Grand National win in 1973 and was walked through the bar into an after-race party to celebrate his success following his third Grand National Win on 2nd April 1977, he strutted into the fabulous suite without so much as a hair turned on his mane.
Having undergone an initial £2 million refurbishment in 2015 with a further £300,000 spent on renovations in early 2020, it was only fitting that the Function room was named after its most famous party goer, The Red Rum Suite.
The hotel is still known for hosting fabulous parties to this day, complete with a dazzling bespoke chandelier, the room is available to hire for private parties, weddings or functions.
You may also notice in passing that a homage to Red Rum now stands the front of the historic building above the doorway in memory of his visits. This homage is continued through into the recently renovated Bar & Restaurant where racing memorabilia adorns the walls and there is even a set of antique brass jockey scales. Merseyside’s most instagrammed artist, Paul Curtis, recently created a mural on the side of building depicting the moment Southport’s most famous son passed the finishing post completing his hattrick of wins in 1977.
This historic link to the Grand National alongside the renovations makes The Bold the perfect place to drink and dine surrounded by some great memorabilia celebrate the history of both Red Rum and one of Southport’s oldest Hotels.
Don’t forget to get your Red Rum selfie before you leave.