Tributes to former landlord of The Bluebell in Conwy

Jul 7 2011 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular landlord found dead at his pub last Thursday.

Kenneth Phoenix, 63, who was originally from the Manchester area, was discovered at the Bluebell in Castle Street, Conwy, shortly before 1am.

Sadly, paramedics could not save him.

Police at first described the death as “unexplained”, but later said there are no suspicious circumstances.

The pub reopened on Friday, and locals flocked to remember the man who was described as a “true character”.

Mr Phoenix took over the pub around 18 months ago, after it had been closed for some time.

Sara Allardice, from Conwy’s Chamber of Trade, commented: “Ken was a really kind hearted man, and one of the first things he did was join the chamber of trade and always supported us. We used to hold our meetings at the pub.

“He really turned the pub around and got locals going there again.

“During the week it was a good place to go, and at the weekends there was always a real buzz about the place.

“I’d describe Ken as a gentle giant, and he’ll be really missed.”

Rob Davis, from Coastal Hawks, commented: “Ken was fantastic when we did the Help for Heroes walk a few weeks ago.

“He donated a barrel of beer for the walkers, and cooked sausages Edwards had donated.

“Ken was a real man of the community, I had a lot of respect for him. It’s very sad that he’s gone.”

Mr Phoenix, a keen motorcycling fan, was a customer at several pubs in the town, including the Liverpool Arms, Ye Olde Mail Coach and the George and Dragon.

A police spokesperson said: “Police are no longer investigating the death of a 63-year-old man at a pub in Castle Street, Conwy.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been updated.”