Family-run takeover seeks to build on Duke Street’s growing hospitality scene
The Townhouse on Duke Street in St Helens has new owners after a family fulfilled a long-held ambition to run the popular town-centre bar. Stephen and Natalie McAllister have taken the reins and say they want to retain the venue’s welcoming feel while adding their own touch to the offer.
Both of their daughters, Madeline, 22, and Mia, 20, will be involved in the business; the pair have prior experience working in bars and will help run the venue alongside their parents. Natalie, 42, who has worked across a number of hospitality settings, said the move came about almost by chance after she joked with friends during a visit last year that she would like to buy the place.
"I was in here last year with friends and said, 'You know, I would love to buy this place' - and here we are."
Stephen, 47, described the Townhouse as a focal point for regulars who are "St Helens born and bred" and said the family hopes to build on that close-knit feel. The couple have made clear they want to sustain the bar’s reputation for a friendly environment while introducing a more defined drinks offer.
- Family ownership: Stephen and Natalie will run the Townhouse with help from daughters Madeline and Mia.
- Atmosphere plans: emphasis on retaining a welcoming, community-focused environment.
- Offer changes: the McAllisters want the bar to be known for good cocktails, good wine and a relaxed vibe.
Located at the lower end of Duke Street, the Townhouse sits within a busy hospitality cluster that has expanded in recent years. Nearby venues include the Copper Fox, Cinema Bar and the Cornerstone Inn, which opened earlier this year, while the award-winning Balti Spice restaurant is only a few doors away. The Townhouse is also within easy walking distance of the Turks Head, a pub that was recently shortlisted among the best in the country.
The McAllisters took over the Townhouse after the sale of the bar was reported earlier this year by local media. They have signalled a desire to keep the venue friendly for families, for people meeting friends and for those who may be on their own and are looking for company.
"We want it to be known for good cocktails, good wine and a nice chilled vibe," the new owners said. "A place where people can come, have a chat, bring family and listen to music. It's a friendly environment and we'd love single people who may be on their own to come down too."
Local context and potential impact
The takeover underlines how family-run businesses continue to shape St Helens’ town-centre leisure offer. Duke Street has become one of the town’s busiest strips for hospitality, where independent venues and newer openings are contributing to footfall and evening economy activity. For regulars, continuity of staff and a familiar atmosphere are often as important as the drink menu, and the McAllisters have emphasised both.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Owners | Stephen (47) and Natalie (42) McAllister |
| Family involvement | Daughters Madeline (22) and Mia (20) help run the bar |
| Location | Duke Street, lower end — near Copper Fox, Cinema Bar, Cornerstone Inn, Balti Spice |
| Planned focus | Friendly atmosphere, cocktails, wine, chilled vibe |
For customers and neighbouring businesses, the family-run approach could help maintain a sense of continuity at a time when the local hospitality scene is competitive and evolving. The McAllisters’ emphasis on creating an inclusive spot — welcoming families, regulars and solo visitors alike — aims to keep the Townhouse a steady presence within the town-centre mix.
Staffing and day-to-day operations will be overseen by the family, drawing on Natalie’s previous hospitality experience and the daughters’ bar work. The success of the takeover will be watched closely by other operators on Duke Street, where collaboration between venues has helped to drive weekend and evening trade.
For now, the Townhouse remains open under its new ownership with the McAllisters asking the public to pop in, say hello and see the changes for themselves as they settle into running one of St Helens’ familiar town-centre bars.
