Town in mourning for pub landlord

TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Cirencester pub landlord who has died after a long battle with illness, writes Toby Codd.

Mark Lindesay, 56, had been in charge of The Golden Cross Inn since August 2009, picking up many accolades on the way.

Mark came to Cirencester from Vietnam and Cambodia, where he lived and worked as a financial journalist before returning to the

UK. He followed his mother and father who had decided to retire in the Cotswold town.

He was extremely communityminded, setting up the Black Jack Street Party in 2013. He fought to get the street pedestrianised, and assisted friend and neighbour,

Simon Gordon-Walker, in getting a certain type of street lamp for Black Jack Street as well as others in the town.

George Arkell, boss of Arkell’s Brewery – the owner of the Black

Jack Street pub – said: “We are hugely sad to hear about Mark’s passing. He has been a fantastic landlord for us.

“He really put The Golden Cross on the foodie and beer map and our thoughts are with his family at this time.”

Mark was also instrumental in establishing the Cotswold Yorkshire Pudding Competition in 2017.

He went on to win the award twice with a recipe he would not even share with his chefs.

Aside from his working life, he was a keen drummer and advocate of live music. Mark would often replace the percussionist when The Golden Cross Inn hosted live music.

Cllr Mark Harris, of Cotswold District Council, used The Golden Cross Inn for various committee meetings and was also a friend of the pub landlord.

He said: “Mark, at no cost other than using the bar, provided a space for community groups to meet: the Bathurst Friendship, Abbey 900, parents groups and sports committees to name a few.

“A former journalist with a quick and piercing wit, he would use Twitter to skewer pomposity and expose untruths broadcast by certain politicians.

“He will be missed by the community, entertainers and those who value honesty in public life, and of course all the regulars at The Golden Cross.”

The 18th-century coaching inn saw some of its best years under Mark and with the help of some of the region’s top chefs, including the late Justin Ashley, won many awards for its service and food.

It was awarded a Best Cotswold Menu at the Cotswold Life Food and Drink Awards In 2013.

Mark’s funeral will be held at Cirencester Parish Church on Thursday, November 3 at 2.30pm.

It will be followed by a wake at The Crown Inn on West Market Place, Cirencester.

All are welcome to both.