SHOCK AS BAR BOSS DIES AT 37
Tributes pour in for Botanist manager who always had a smile on his face
FRIENDS of Botanist boss Paul Burns say Newcastle has lost “one of the biggest personalities the city’s ever had”.
Facebook has been flooded with tributes to the 37-year-old following his sudden death at the weekend.
Pals say they will miss his “cheeky, perfect, white smile” while others say his death has left them “numb”.
“Newcastle’s lost its most lovable character,” wrote one friend.
His death came after a birthday celebration with close friends, including Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison, in The Botanist on Friday.
The reality TV star posted an Instagram snap over the weekend posing with the Gateshead man and a Nutella birthday cake.
“Love you forever,” she wrote.
The Botanist was closed yesterday as a mark of respect to the sales and events manager.
Other nightspots have also paid tribute to Paul.
On Saturday, Bijoux dedicated the last song of the evening – Sweet Caroline – to his memory.
On Twitter, Bonbar – where Paul once worked as front-of-house – shared a snap of him.
“One of the nicest people to ever work for us and never went anywhere without the big grin on his face,” tweeted the venue.
“You will be truly missed by everyone in Newcastle.”
George Smith, who used to manage Bonbar, said he was “very fortunate” to have worked with Paul.
“I am sure I wouldn’t be alone in saying he was the best I’ve seen,” he told The Chronicle.
“He could have easily gone on to work at any of the established high-end operators in London and be up there with the best.
“The scale of the success of The Botanist in Newcastle is a true testament to his character.
“Paul genuinely cared about every tiny aspect of the venue and his staff meant everything to him, picking up on things most wouldn’t have noticed in a million years.”
After leaving Bonbar, he continued to ask Paul to organise private functions, which he said were all delivered with “precision and superior service”.
“Paul would do anything and everything for anyone and expect nothing in return,” he added. “I will miss you, my friend.” Dan Hatton said he had lost one of his “best mates” and was in total shock over the death.
“I could sit here and talk for ages but if you met him once or 1,000 times, you knew he was one of a kind,” he said.
“I can’t bring myself to accept this. It doesn’t feel real.”
And on social media there was an outpouring of grief and love for the man known to many as ‘Burnsy.’
“The entire town is going to miss you big time sweetheart – thank you for being you,” wrote one friend. Another added: “I don’t know one single person who won’t be heartbroken in Newcastle.
“I think you are the only person I know who has the most ‘best friends’ ever, but it’s down to your beautiful personality, everybody loved you so much.”
And on Twitter, Rosie Summer called Paul “the epitome of Newcastle”.
“Things will never be the same. An unfathomable loss,” she added.
“Touched so many people’s hearts. Devastated.
“RIP to a legend.”