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OBITUARY
 

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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