Andy Martin, renowned landlord of Manchester’s beloved establishment The Star and Garter, passed away in the hospital after being admitted due to a suspected stroke.
The 52-year-old, a devoted father of two, had been grappling with an ear infection before his health took a turn for the worse.
Admitted to the hospital on Monday, March 25, Andy’s condition worsened, culminating in a cardiac arrest.
According to a JustGiving page established to support his family with funeral expenses, his heart ceased beating for four minutes during the ordeal.
Andy Martin’s health complications escalated as he developed sepsis, leading to encephalitis and meningitis. Tragically, severe brain swelling ensued, resulting in his passing on Friday, March 29.
Left behind are his wife, Helen Kitchen, and their young daughters, Jasmine, aged five, and Georgina, aged three.
Tributes continue to flood in for the esteemed licensee, whose stewardship of one of Manchester’s most iconic venues spanned 21 years.
The Star and Garter, nestled near Manchester’s Piccadilly station, held a special place in the hearts of countless individuals, shaping the experiences of many.
Andy’s unwavering determination kept the doors of the Fairfield Street establishment open through numerous challenges over the years.
His connection with the pub dates back to 1997, when he arranged a gig featuring Half Man Half Biscuit.
In 2003, he officially assumed the license, cementing his role in the pub’s storied history. Notably, the venue gained renown for hosting the annual Mozfest event every May, a celebration of The Smiths’ music.
Helen shared the heartbreaking news of Andy’s passing on the pub’s Facebook page, revealing that the couple had married just last year.
“We are all obviously in bits and I know that so many of you will feel this loss too,” she wrote.
“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.”
Joy Division and New Order star Peter Hook added:
“Andy was a lovely man from head to foot. Truly a man of the people who recognised that mighty oaks grow from acorns. His importance to new Manchester music was vital. God rest his soul.”
The JustGiving page set up to raise £7,000 for Andy’s funeral reads:
“Andy passed away on Friday, March 29. The shock of Andy’s death is yet to be processed, but Andy’s sudden passing has left his family totally unprepared for any funeral costs and in need of financial support to help give Andy the send off he deserves.
“Andy had been suffering with an ear infection before he was admitted to hospital on Monday, March 25 with a suspected stroke, where he later had a cardiac arrest, with his heart stopping for four minutes. His ear infection had developed into sepsis, which then caused encephalitis and meningitis.
“This resulted in unrecoverable swelling on the brain and Andy died tragically aged only 52.”
The appeal continues:
“Andy was extremely well loved and his influence was wide-reaching. There are many bands he helped to catapult, many artists, DJs and club nights where he was pivotal to their success. He was a wonderful husband, doting dad, beloved uncle, cherished son and loyal friend.
“He fought tooth and nail to keep the Star and Garter open. Having kept the pub open, he kept the prices low so that everyone could enjoy their night there, no matter their budget.
Andy always felt a person feeling they’d had a good night at the pub was worth much more than money – his passion, his business, was the business of making people happy.
“Andy was also a great storyteller with a fireside warmth and brutally funny cheek that could catch you unawares. His sharp one liners and outlook on situations meant a conversation with him would undoubtedly end in tears of laughter.
He was a fundamentally good person with depth, quietly keeping an eye on many and reaching out to check they were okay. He had a Half Man Half Biscuit lyric for every situation, and no doubt he’d claim this one as ‘National Sh*** Day’.
“This is not an easy ask. The brutal shock of this tragedy has left Andy’s wife and family bereft, heavy with grief and in the unfortunate position of having to ask for not just emotional understanding, but financial support at this difficult time.
“If Andy’s life enriched yours in any way, please contribute to his funeral. Anything you can give, big or small would be gratefully received.
Please share this link so that it can reach the thousands of people that knew of the star that was Andy, and allow the world to return the love and joy that he gave to so many at his pub.
“Thank you.”
