Margaret Hargreaves, the former owner of the Shakespeare Hotel – affectionately known as the Shakey, has died.
John Green, the Director of Liquor and Policing at the Australian Hotels Association NSW described Margaret as an example of a generation of strong women, who not only broke down barriers in the 70s but led the way by becoming one of the inner city’s top pub owners.
“She was a trailblazer with her own unique style and her passing is a loss for the industry,” Green said.
“Operating two pubs in Surry Hills, the Shakespeare Hotel from 1975 until recently, as well as the Strawberry Hills Hotel, Margaret and her family – including daughter Kelly – led the way with their resilience and determination during challenging times including COVID and the light rail construction, which caused massive disruption to the business.”
Margaret ran the Shakespeare Hotel for almost 50 years, after acquiring the leasehold in 1975 and then freehold in 1978.
She sold the pub last year to Laurence Collins and his family, and said at the time: “There is nothing quite like the Shakey. The pub has been very good to us, but the time is right for a fresh perspective.”
The team at Australian Hotelier extends our sincerest condolences to Margaret’s family and friends.
Vale, Margaret Hargreaves, Rest in peace.