A ghostly Delray Beach pub faces eviction amid Florida scrutiny

The longtime gathering spot for beer, ghost stories and soccer fans is facing an eviction action from its prime spot at 804 E. Atlantic Avenue, just steps from the Intracoastal Waterway in the city's sizzling downtown.

The lawsuit comes after monthslong scrutiny, and periodic shutdowns, of the English pub by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, which licenses and inspects restaurants.

The Palm Beach County Circuit Court lawsuit, filed by landlord Delray Beach Associates, alleges unpaid rent of $69,761. The complaint seeks to evict the pub from the premises and enforce a personal guarantee by pub owner Mark Snyder.

Meanwhile, the state initiated four temporary shutdowns in 2025 following troubling inspections. In December, inspectors temporarily closed the pub six times after repeatedly flagged rodent droppings throughout the kitchen, as well as raw meats unsafely stored, according to public licensing records.

A Dec. 29 inspection found that the violations were cured, and the pub reopened. But then five inspections in February led the state to close the pub again temporarily.

Then, on Feb. 24, a new complaint was lodged by the state because the pub had reopened despite an emergency order suspending the pub's license, records show.

Indeed, a visitor to the Blue Anchor on Feb. 14 noticed the pub was open and welcoming guests, even as a sign was posted on the exterior stating the pub was closed by state restaurant inspectors.

A March 2 state inspection resulted in a temporary closure that day due to new violations, including more rodent droppings and dirty coolers.

But another inspection that day cleared the restaurant to open.

Gavin Tudor Elliot, an attorney for landlord Delray Beach Associates, said on March 3 that the state has allowed the tenant access to the property. But he's not sure whether the restaurant will reopen.

Padlock on the door of the Blue Anchor Pub on March 4, 2026.

A visitor who stopped by the pub on March 4 noted that the pub was padlocked.

Snyder, the pub's owner, did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Blue Anchor pub in Delray Beach is loss for soccer fans as World Cup nears

If the Blue Anchor were to remain closed, it would be a loss for diehard soccer fans, especially those rooting for teams in the English Premier League.

The Blue Anchor also was a time-honored destination for soccer fans gathered to watch the FIFA World Cup, the world's most popular sports tournament.

In a 2023 interview, Synder, the Blue Anchor's owner, said that during World Cup tournament macthes, fans spilled onto Atlantic Avenue.

"Every match we are showing we get more and more people," Snyder said. "It started with a couple of tables, now it's growing."

The pub's troubles come on the eve of another edition of this year's World Cup, which is coming to three North American countries this summer, including the United States.

Miami will host seven matches of the 104-game World Cup, starting June 11. The World Cup runs through July 19.

Blue Anchor lands in Delray Beach after journey from England

Florida notice of temporary closure, on Feb. 14, 2026.

Originally built in London in the 1840s, this legendary pub has seen it all, including scandal, mystery and one very restless ghost named Bertha.

Legend has it Bertha Starkey, who lived above the initial English pub, was caught in a scandalous affair and murdered with her lover by her husband.

When the original Blue Anchor Pub in London was dismantled to make way for a modern office building, its Tudor-inspired facade and wood interior were disassembled and shipped to New York City.

The pieces were stored there until 1996, when they were brought to Delray Beach and incorporated into a building.

The pub became a popular gathering spot for British aficionados who enjoyed pints of Guiness stout or traditional food such as fish and chips or shepherd's pie. But the menu also included plenty of American fare, including chicken wings and burgers.

Through the years, longtime employees reported hearing and seeing strange things. Guests also reported sudden chills and unexplained noises.

These encounters earned the pub national attention, with appearances on "Ghost Hunters International," "America's Most Haunted Pubs" and other paranormal-themed TV specials.

Blue Anchor washes into Delray Beach in the 1990s

In Delray Beach, the pub's original owner was Lee Harrison, former editor of the National Enquirer tabloid.

Restaurant broker Tom Prakas handled the deal to bring the Blue Anchor to Delray Beach.

In a March 3 interview, Prakas recalled that landlord Burt Handelsman paid to bring the pub pieces to this Atlantic Avenue site, which are part of the Handelsman family's real estate holdings in Delray Beach.

Handelsman, Palm Beach's longtime real estate scion, died in 2023. His adult children continue to own the property through Delray Beach Associates.

Although downtown Delray Beach is home to dozens of restaurants, many are luxury hotspots with modern finishes.

None has quite the charm of an old English pub framed in wood and whimsy from another century.

If the current tenant doesn't reopen it, and if the landlord takes back control of the space, Prakas said he thinks the Blue Anchor space still should remain a pub.

"It should stay the same," Prakas said. "It's got the best and highest value as a pub. It's so unique."

Alexandra Clough is a business writer at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach her at [email protected]. X: @acloughpbp. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.