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Fundraising bid to keep Star & Garter open
If walls could talk, the Star & Garter would have some mighty fine tales to tell. But they can’t – and so we give thanks that Dutty Ken is around to keep the history alive.
Although that might all change if the landlord of everyone’s favourite last chance saloon is forced to retire early by the taxman chasing a hefty £20,000 bill.
Fortunately, the people of Bristol may have the final say though, after a crowdfunding pitch was set up to help 75-year-old Ken (real name Louis Hayles) pay his tab and keep the Montpelier pub open.
is needed now More than ever
“It’s embarrassing, but when you have your back against the wall you will accept the help if it is out there,” Ken, who has run the pub since 1993, said after a friend set up the crowdfunding page.
He said the business had run into trouble following difficult recent years compounded by personal illness and an increase in anti-social behaviour on the streets in front of the pub.
But he added he felt he has incredible support from the community. “I swear 95 or 100 per cent of people want me to stay in this place and keep it going.
“It is the life and soul around here and is everything I have.”
A message on the crowdfunding page says: “The Star has been a friend to many of us over the years. It is the heart of a unique Bristol community. Ken has given the last 25 years of his life to serving the community. Please, if you can help make a contribution.”
Under Ken’s stewardship the pub has hosted regular live music, with local Massive Attack member Grant Marshall, aka Daddy G, among the notable musicians to have played records at the bar.
Ken has also seen a lot of trouble in and around the pub during his time – so much that at one point he felt the need to carry a machete whenever he left the premises.
But he said his presence has meant street crime around the pub has been kept down on the whole.
The Star & Garter made national headlines in 2003 after magistrates agreed to renew its licence despite evidence of illegal late night drinking. Speaking in court, Ken said he was forced to open later than planned to stop drug dealers coming into the pub to use the phone.
The Star & Garter’s crowdfunding page is asking for £20,000 before the end of the month.