We are deeply saddened to announce the unexpected death of Andy Martin, the landlord of The Star and Garter in Manchester.

Andy passed away on Friday 29th March 2024. 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 25th March 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 on Friday 29th March 2024, aged only fifty-two. He is survived by his newly wedded wife Helen and their daughters Jasmine, 5 and Georgina, 3.

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, endlessly debating and ultimately winning the battle with the Goliath that is Network Rail. 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 Shite 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.