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Michael Hurley |
Landlord with a friendly welcome for all
FOR more than 20 years a friendly wave and cry of “hello
sir” would greet regulars at the Good Mixer pub in Inverness
Street, Camden Town.
Behind the bar would be Michael Hurley, one of Camden Town’s
most recognisable landlord, who has died aged 65.
During his 22 years at the Good Mixer the pub became one of
the most popular in the area, famous for its music and clientele.
It was at the centre of the Britpop explosion in the mid-1990s
when numerous bands such as Pulp and Blur would be spotted there.
But it wasn’t always the case. When Mr Hurley arrived,
the pub had its problems.
His daughter Sarah said: “Camden Town was even more chaotic
then. With Arlington House (the hostel for homeless people),
everyone barred from other pubs ended up here. It needed someone
to clear it up.”
She added: “He spent most mornings opening the doors and
barring everyone before they could get in.”
Her father grew up in the family pub, Hurley’s, in Cork.
He joined the Merchant Navy, travelling extensively and was
in Australia while the Sydney Opera House was being built. He
first came to London in 1956 to work in pubs and restaurants.
Then he met his wife, Pat, and returned to Ireland for three
years.
During their marriage, of nearly 39 years, they had three children,
Lester, Susie and Sarah. The couple ran a restaurant in Ireland
before returning to London, where they managed various pubs
before settling at the Good Mixer in 1984.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s the Mixer became a venue for
Irish bands and small groups, attracting the likes of Blur and
Pulp, but the live music ended as the evenings ultimately became
too popular. Mr Hurley loved playing golf and was an horse racing
fan. Daughter Sarah said: “The Cheltenham Gold Cup was
a week off. He would go with some publican friends like Andrew
Carey (from the Haverstock Arms).”
The family are also West Ham season ticket holders.
Sarah added: “The two things he loved were real ale and
sausages. He was searching for the perfect pair. He got closer
with the real ale – he loved Sharp’s – but always
thought most sausages had too many herbs.”
JOEL TAYLOR |
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