Future of legendary pub Star & Garter secured by team behind Depot Mayfield

The venue's landlord Andy Martin died suddenly last year, but the iconic pub will endure...

By Ben Arnold | 13 January 2025

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The future of the Star & Garter, the renowned pub and music venue in the shadow of Piccadilly Station, has been secured following investment by the company behind Depot Mayfield.

Broadwick, which runs the venue that hosts The Warehouse Project, will pump cash into the venue’s infrastructure, while preserving its ‘iconic atmosphere and unique charm’, it has said.

The pub’s longstanding landlord Andy Martin died suddenly last year, leaving the future of the venue in uncertainty.

But alongside Andy’s wife Helen and the likes of the Music Venue Trust and the GM Business Growth Hub, the pub will continue to thrive.

Nat Lea, Broadwick Head of Venue, Depot Mayfield, said: “Working closely with Andy, Helen, and their team to deliver events over the past few years has been a privilege. We at Broadwick are grateful for their trust in us, and we will honour the legacy of our friends who made the Star & Garter legendary: Andy, Ian and Stu.” 

Homobloc
(Credit: Jody Hartley)

The Star & Garter was safeguarded by the Mayfield Partnership in 2019 as part of the development of Mayfield, making it the oldest building in the emerging city district.

Beck Rowaichi, Broadwick Senior Development Manager, added: “Since the opening of Depot in 2019, both the Mayfield Partnership and Broadwick have been committed to safeguarding the Star & Garter as the surrounding area evolves. Upholding the venue’s independence aligns with Broadwick’s core values. We are truly honoured to play our part in preserving the Star & Garter – such an iconic and authentic grassroots music venue.”  

Helen Martin adds: “By safeguarding The Star & Garter’s future as an independent venue, the partnership ensures it remains a key part of Manchester’s music and cultural ecosystem for years to come. 

“I would also like to thank Jay Taylor from The Music Venue Trust for all his guidance and support through the challenges I faced taking over the operations at The Star & Garter, it has been invaluable to me. I encourage other music venues to reach out if they are struggling or need advice.” 

Jay Taylor said: “The Star & Garter has been an integral Mancunian city-centre community pub since 1803. Grassroots live music became a key component in the 1990s, and the venue truly blossomed in 1997 when licensee Andy Martin took over.

Repercussion
(Credit: Jody Hartley)

“Andy was devoted to the Star & Garter and the venue community he assembled; his vision and determination were unshakable for 23 years. When Andy tragically passed away in March last year, it was devastating for his family, friends and the venue community, and it left a void not only at the heart of the Star & Garter but within Greater Manchester music.

“Music Venue Trust welcomes Broadwick as the new operators of the Star & Garter. We are delighted that the venue’s long-term future is now secured and that the Broadwick team is committed to building on Andy’s extraordinary legacy.”

In recent years, the pub, which dates back to 1877, has been incorporated into events by the likes of The Warehouse Project, Repercussion and Homobloc.

Current landlord Danny Marsh will continue to develop the pub and its music events, with its legendary Smiths nights and weekend festivals remaining key to its DNA.

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