Ajax Gilbert Watso(Image: 8th Sense Media)

'Bristol has lost a legend' - tributes paid to owner of late-night blues bar

Celebrations took place earlier this year to remember nights they'd had at the shebeen

by · BristolLive

The man who ran the "last shebeen" in the south west who was described as a "cornerstone" of the St Pauls community has died.

Gilbert Watson - known as Ajax - died on Sunday, July 19 after being diagnosed with cancer.

Mr Watson was described as the “life and soul of the party”, having become well-known for opening the Shady Grove Café in 1970, creating a safe haven for the African-Caribbean community in St Pauls to dance, drink and socialise.

It quickly became the heart of the area, and so did he.

Ajax with members of the community in St Pauls(Image: Lawrence Hoo)

In the 1990s St Pauls had several after-hours “blues” clubs and it also became a centre of the free party scene.

Earlier this year, many of Mr Watson's loved-ones got together in celebration of him and paid tribute to his shebeen being the last one in the south west.

'One of a kind'

One of his family members - Kelly Meekerz - shared the news of Mr Watson's death, saying: “Our family is deeply saddened to inform you that ‘Ajax’ Gilbert Watson passed away in his sleep on Sunday morning.

"As many of you know, he has been suffering from cancer for some time now. We are relieved that his passing was peaceful and painless.

Ajax at an awards ceremony with close ones(Image: Lawrence Hoo)

“He has now transitioned to meet his maker and will soon be on his journey to fulfil his greatest wish to join his beloved mother and brother at their final resting place in Jamaica.

“Ajax was a much-loved cornerstone of the community, a one-of-a-kind legend and we appreciate people will want to express their condolences.

“Further info will follow as to how people can pay their respects.

“In the words of the man himself “Love Inna Di House!

“Thank you from Cheryl and all of the Watson family xx”

'Bristol has lost a legend'

Many close friends and family members have posted on social media to pay tribute him, with Katy Noakes writing on Facebook: “Rest in peace Ajax, and may that peace be the soundtrack from a good sound system.

“Bristol has lost a legend. The longest-running blues club in St Pauls when so many were closing [including] The Shady Grove.

“You were a giant, sir.”

Hannah Jones said: “R.I.P Ajax. Thank you for looking after my mum when she came to Bristol, maybe you’ll see each other on the other side.”

Poet Lawrence Hoo wroe: “Ajax - ‘Gilbert Watson’ - Thank you for the life you allowed us to live.”