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A well-loved and colourful former pub landlady has died, leaving a massive hole in the Margate community.
Shirley Sullivan gained huge popularity across the town during her four decades-long career as the frontwoman of some of the town’s favourite pubs.
Over the years the stalwart publican, originally from Eltham in south-east London, built up a loyal following of punters and hosted many famous names at her ‘boozers’, enchanting the town with her own sense of personality, style and glamour.
Having moved to Margate in 1974, Shirley and her late husband, Mick, first took on The Six Bells in 1984. After a successful run there, the couple moved to the New Inn in Margate’s Old Town in 1985.
A “traditional” pub by day, it was there that Shirley first began to put on nights and weekend events dedicated to the gay community.
Shirley’s son-in-law, Neil Brennan, said: “Those days in the New Inn were when she really began to put her stamp on the town.
“The times that people had in those - they were different pubs to those that were around. They had a real family feel, no bother, just respect and good times.
“Shirley was and still is an absolute icon to the gay and lesbian community. She and Mick provided safe havens for the gay and lesbian communities in the mid-80s, when there was far less tolerance than there is now. The wonderful people in that scene have never forgotten that.”
In 1987, Shirley and Mick took over Rumours nightclub in Cliftonville.
“I wasn’t there, but the stories are the stuff of legend. They was just the maddest of times,” said Neil.
“Shirley, Mick and her sister Jan were all involved in creating the environment where people could come out and express themselves. Shirley would book cabaret and drag acts when it wasn’t fashionable or normal to do so. She was a real pioneer.”
Paul O’Grady visited the nightclub as his drag queen persona Lily Savage, while big names including Bad Manners frontman Buster Bloodvessel, and actor Ray Winstone also visited Shirley’s pubs over the years.
“She knew all these people, and they all loved her - she was a real, real character,” said Neil.
Shirley is also well known for her years as landlady of The Bull’s Head in Market Place, which she and Mick ran from 1997 to 2005.
“That was an incredible place,” said Neil. “The characters in there were unbelievable. Everyone had a nickname, of course - some more flattering than others! It was a revolving door for the people of Margate, and she would look after everyone who went in there with her normal steadfast and unfleetingly loyal way.”
Kind and generous to people from all walks of life, Shirley would amass a loyal following of punters and staff at whichever pub she took on.
“People felt they could go to her in times of need - she would feed people, she would clothe people,” told Neil.
“She was that woman. She’s my mother-in-law but she was my best friend. Her family and friends adored her. She was incredibly generous, and incredibly well-loved.”
Shirley retired to Westgate in 2014, where she lived out her years overlooking the bay, spending time with her beloved grandchildren and her two ‘grand-dogs’ Oscar and Alfie, whom she loved deeply.
She died on April 20 after a long battle with an illness, surrounded by her loved ones.
She is survived by son Lee, daughters Donna and Charlotte, and five grandchildren, Carl, Dale, Joseph, Bubba and Alexa.
Actor Ray Winstone is among those who have since paid tribute to her.
In a video recorded for Shirley’s children, the Quadrophenia star said: “It’s very sad news about your lovely mum Shirley.
“I remember going there and meeting Shirley a few years back, she was very welcoming. She knew how to pour a drink - plenty of ice. Trouble is I can’t remember leaving it, which is the sign of a good pub, a good publican.
“My condolences to your family and her friends on your loss. God bless her, and may she rest in peace. I’m sure there’s a place at the bar for her in heaven.”
Shirley’s funeral will take place on May 15, at 3.15pm at Margate Crematorium. Social distancing measures will be in place.Donations to Pilgrims Hospices.
