Southend pub landlady steps down after eight years

Michelle Gargate to Hand Over Blue Boar Pub Next Month

Michelle Gargate, who runs the Blue Boar on Victoria Avenue, will hand over the pub to new tenants next month.

The pub has been in operation for over a century. It is a five-minute walk from Roots Hall, home of the Shrimpers for 70 years. This location is significant as it is where the club was founded in 1906.

For Michelle, the pub was ideal. It combined her love of Southend United with a job she enjoyed every day.

Michelle stated, “I ran the nearby Spread Eagle pub and took over the Blue Boar in October 2017, mainly for my love of football and the pub’s history with Southend United.”

She added, “The place is filled with history and nostalgia. We’ve seen some really good times, from supporting the club’s protests to evict former owner Ron Martin, to our trip to Wembley last year.”

“Being landlady has given me the opportunity to get involved with the club. The pub was just a part, but the rest was the community I’ve met.”

Southend United was created at the Blue Boar when former landlord Oliver Trigg invited a group of footballers and businessmen to discuss forming a new club.

A month later, the group met again at the pub to formally establish Southend United, which still competes in the National League.

When Michelle took over, she promised to continue the pub’s legacy with the club. She remains a strong supporter, which she says will not change.

As a board member of the Shrimpers Trust and the Southend United fan advisory board, Michelle will continue to live locally and attend matches, as “a face on the other side of the bar.”

During her reflective departure, Michelle noted the challenges the pub faced over the years. The pandemic significantly impacted business.

“Covid killed our business,” she said. “Since then, drinking habits have changed, business models have changed, and financial pressures have crept up.”

Michelle’s last day of trading will be Tuesday, February 3.

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