The Gypsy’s Tent

The Gypsy’s Tent, originally spelled Gipsy’s Tent until the 1990s, was constructed in the 19th century. While its address is on Deansgate, the establishment became isolated from the street when the Marsden Road bridge was erected in 1877. In the latter part of the 19th century, a group of traveling dentists operated at the back of the pub, performing tooth extractions. In a rather Victorian fashion, a brass band would often play lively tunes to mask the sounds of patients in distress.

In the early 20th century, the pub was acquired by local brewers William Tong, and in 1923, it was taken over by Walkers of Warrington. Walkers later merged with Tetley’s in 1961, forming Tetley Walker, but by August 1981, the decision was made to sell the Gipsy’s Tent.

In 1983, a local company named Bandmatic took ownership. They were known for operating pool tables in various pubs and had also purchased the Rose Hill on Manchester Road, renaming it Churchill's. When the Gypsy’s Tent reopened in September 1984, it was rebranded as Winston’s, following a renovation that transformed the original three-room layout into a more open-plan space.

By 1989, Regal Knight Hotels had taken over, and in 1996, the pub changed hands again, with the upstairs area converted into Romany’s function room.

The Gypsy’s Tent closed its doors in 2007, and despite being listed for sale, it seems to have remained unsold. According to Bolton Council’s list of empty properties, the current owner is a company called PJM Trading Ltd, although a Widnes-based company by that name was dissolved in 2011. Efforts to sell the pub have not been fruitful.