A pub landlord who "lived his life to the full", died suddenly the day his newly refurbished pub was meant to open.
Nigel Bird, a keen restaurateur and pillar of the local community, passed away on his birthday from a heart attack.
The 57-year-old had revamped the Friars Tuck Inn in Gloucester - adding a beer garden, heated gazebo's and gastro-menu to encourage locals and families to visit the area.
The death of Mr Bird came as a huge shock to those who knew and loved him. He has been described as a man who would not let anything get in his way and lived life to the full, Gloucester Live reports.
Friar Tucks Inn chef and director Chris Herriot said: "I had known Nigel since 1999 when I met him at the Isle of Mull. No one could stop him from doing what he set his mind to.
"Proof of this was what he achieved at Hatherley Manor and his other businesses. Nigel one hundred per cent did not take his foot off the pedal.
"He could see a problem in business and figure out a solution before it became a problem. We had a very good working relationship where he would trust the decisions I made.
"We are all devastated and him gone has left a huge hole. His mother had come to visit from Northumberland and it was his birthday and the pub was full of customers, family and friends.
"Me and his partner Linda Baldwin, who is also a director at the pub, decided to open the next day because it would have been what he wanted. We are going to keep the place going for him.
Mr Bird had set out to bring the wow factor to the pub. He spent tens of thousands in the process and invested a considerable amount in the beer garden renovation.
He wanted the beer garden ready for the summer months for families and groups of people to enjoy. So over the summer, there will be five brick barbecues built where people can go into the pub, buy their meat, salads and sauces and have their own barbecue.
"He did so much for the place and had a huge strength and knowledge to make Friar Tucks Inn a success. We want to continue his work in his memory."
Mr Bird also arranged to have log gazebos constructed which can seat 12 people. They all have heating, lighting and sockets and people can come and use the space for working on their laptops.
The garden area has capacity for 148 people to be seated outside, where there is also a large Thatchers cider bar, as well as a children’s play area.
He said: “People drive past and do not realise how big the place is. There is so much here. The restaurant is busy and I would recommend the steaks which are real quality from our butcher. The breakfasts which are served from 7am are very good too.
“We start lunchtime service from noon and run right through to 9pm. However, we would not turn someone away if they came a little after that.
“I want to be able to do more for the community. We shall still be open for people to watch the sports, but we are also looking to do theme nights, discos and have quiz nights scheduled in the future.”
