Landlord 'a true force of nature'
MEN on Sunday|March 31, 2024
STAR Pub boss Andy Martin put his heart and soul into city's famous music venue
Neal Kealing
Landlord 'a true force of nature'

TRIBUTES are pouring in for the landlord of iconic Manchester pub The Star and Garter Andy Martin following the heartbreaking news of his death. Hundreds of people have taken to social media to pay their respects.

They all agree - if ever a licensee put his heart and soul into his pub, it was Andy. He was the perfect fit for the iconic music venue and watering hole, which has survived for more than two centuries.

The Star and Garter, in the shadow of Manchester’s Piccadilly station, is on the cusp of a new era after some rocky times, which only makes the loss of Andy after a short illness even more poignant. Under his stewardship, the Fairfield Street boozer shaped the youth of thousands.

It hosts Mozarmy, an annual meeting of Morrissey and Smiths fans, which Andy credited with helping keep the pub afloat. It also regularly hosts Smiths and Morrissey disco nights.

Andy’s wife Helen broke the tragic news on the pub’s Facebook page. She wrote: “I’m devastated to be sharing the news that our licensee Andy Martin died today after a very short illness. He leaves behind Jasmine (5) and Georgina (3).

“We are all obviously in bits and I know that so many of you will feel this loss too. He was a wonderful dad, husband, brother, son and friend and this has left an unfillable hole in all our lives. Helen (Andy’s wife) x.”

Sacha Lord, co-creator of the Parklife festival and The Warehouse Project and Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, said: “I’m extremely saddened to hear the news that Andy Martin from the Star and Garter has passed away. We were only messaging a couple of weeks ago. A huge loss to Manchester, that will never be replaced. My thoughts are with his family.”

This story is from the March 31, 2024 edition of MEN on Sunday.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 31, 2024 edition of MEN on Sunday.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MEN ON SUNDAYView All
MEN on Sunday

Howhasit come to this for Pep's 500th game?

PEP Guardiola should be in the ultimate honeymoon period.

time-read
1 min  |
December 29, 2024
No surprise McAtee eyes exit in January
MEN on Sunday

No surprise McAtee eyes exit in January

CITY and James McAtee both made clear that they wanted to make things work this season. Despite City's title defence crumbling around him, however, McAtee has had a front row seat to the season rather than an active role.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 29, 2024
MEN on Sunday

Maguire risks ban in Magpies fixture

UNITED know they will be without several key players when they return to Premier League action to face Newcastle.

time-read
1 min  |
December 29, 2024
MEN on Sunday

'I want to make history at United'

AMAD Diallo 'wants to make history' with United as he aims to help Ruben Amorim turn around the club's fortunes.

time-read
1 min  |
December 29, 2024
MEN on Sunday

Sutton tips 'rubbish' Reds to lose

NEWCASTLE United will make it four wins in a row when they take on United because Ruben Amorim's side are 'rubbish'.

time-read
1 min  |
December 29, 2024
United have to face up to Old Trafford nerves
MEN on Sunday

United have to face up to Old Trafford nerves

HOW will the nerves be tomorrow night then? In the wake of Manchester United's pre-Christmas defeat to Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim identified nervousness and anxiety as a problem to be overcome, for his team and the supporters.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Ronaldo 'will be owner of big club'
MEN on Sunday

Ronaldo 'will be owner of big club'

UNITED legend Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his intention to buy a football club after he retires from professional football.

time-read
1 min  |
December 29, 2024
Council tax needs overdue overhaul
MEN on Sunday

Council tax needs overdue overhaul

WHILE festive shoppers have been deciding what to buy in the last few weeks, under-pressure local politicians across Northern England are weighing up which public services they can still afford to run.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Claims of a 'fix' with no elections due in 2025
MEN on Sunday

Claims of a 'fix' with no elections due in 2025

THERE will be no elections held in Greater Manchester in 2025.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024
Family takes on DIY SOS to build a home for Gary
MEN on Sunday

Family takes on DIY SOS to build a home for Gary

THE family of a man left disabled after suffering a stroke say they've been left 'blown away' by people's kindness after deciding to build a specially adapted house for him to live in.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 29, 2024