Birkenhead’s iconic Grade II Listed pub, The Stork Hotel, has recently had a huge refurbishment of its beer garden — a sun trap and hidden gem that now has football screens, a kids’ play area and a gorgeous flower bed. Behind this amazing new development is local legend, 89-year-old Jerry Rooney — who designed and planted the flowerbed and tends to the garden every day.
To enquire about free venue hire at The Stork call 07375884066
Jerry, from Moreton, came to Wirral from County Monaghan in the 60s and has been close friends with local landlady, Joanne Ireland, for over 30 years. When Joanne and her partner Adrian took over The Stork Hotel in 2019, Jerry followed his friends there, making the Birkenhead pub his new local, and has since been visiting every day as part of his daily routine.
To enquire about free venue hire at The Stork call 07375884066
Since taking over the pub, Joanne and Adrian have turned it around and embarked upon a huge landscaping job — creating a new look beer garden. Entering the Grade II Listed building is an incredible experience, like stepping into a time capsule, with stunning original features such as the beautiful mosaic floor and grand wooden bar. The stunning interior, steeped in nostalgia, was to be left alone however the garden was treated to a complete overhaul.
To enquire about free venue hire at The Stork call 07375884066
When Joanne told Jerry about the plans, he got right on board. Despite the 89-year-old recently suffering from a broken hip and a broken collar bone, his loyalty to Jo inspired him to get involved in the huge project. He designed and planted the entire flower bed, going to a specialist farm to find the best all-year-round flowers, and built and painted some of the furniture. Jerry now visits every day to tend to the garden and carry out maintenance.
To enquire about free venue hire at The Stork call 07375884066
Joanne, said: “It’s been a big project completely re-designing the garden but we couldn’t have done it without Jerry. He’s been such a great friend over the years and despite being almost 90 years old, he’s still very passionate and active. He comes to look after the garden every day and always has a laugh and enjoys a Jameson’s whisky, or a hot toddy in the winter.”
To enquire about free venue hire at The Stork call 07375884066
Talking about the pub, she said: “It’s taken a lot to put the pub back on the map again, but it’s got so much character and history so I’ve been determined to do it justice. It’s been a tough last year but soon we’ll be bringing back live music on Saturdays, karaoke on Sundays and food including Sunday dinner.”
She continued: “We have a regular Laurel & Hardy club, two football teams, pool and darts — it really is a community pub. It’s been a tough year but I keep the drinks prices really low and venue hire free for anyone who wants a historic venue for their party. It’s a very special place and it’s people like Jerry who keep pubs like us going.”
To enquire about free venue hire at The Stork call 07375884066
A pub at the heart of the community that’s steeped in history and character, The Stork Hotel is coming out of lockdown with a real gem of a new beer garden — largely thanks to the ongoing efforts of 89-year-old Jerry. It’s a popular choice for free venue hire, with many birthdays, christenings and special occasions being able to use the gorgeous inside (the Tin Star series has been filmed there) and the amazing new beer garden.
To enquire about free venue hire at The Stork call 07375884066
Speaking about his work, Jerry said: “I was born and raised on a farm in Ireland so that taught me hard work. I’ve worked hard all my life and only retired working for an energy company when I was 83 because I couldn’t get insured any more. You see people getting lazy in old age but I say ‘just get out’ whether it be a walk or whatever. It’s important to keep smiling and laughing too — that helps you keep going.”
He continued: “I think it’s important to have at least one passion. I love Everton F.C and gardening. I tend to my big yard every day and do gardening for my daughters who also live locally. I’ve been good friends with Jo for over 30 years and love what she’s done with this great pub — it made sense for me to start drinking here and help here with the garden. It’s a labour of love.”
To enquire about free venue hire at The Stork call 07375884066
The Stork Hotel is one of Wirral’s most iconic pubs — oozing with character and steeped in history — and the amazing new beer garden is another great reason to visit. As with all independent pubs, their success is built on community spirit, the loyal regulars and people like Jerry who visit every and are very much part of the pub’s fabric and history.
The Stork Hotel / 41 Price Street, Birkenhead, CH41 6JN / 07375884066
To enquire about free venue hire at The Stork call 07375884066
