FAMILY OF CITY'S LONGEST SERVING PUB LANDLORD ISSUE A HEARTFELT THANK YOU

Arrangements for the funeral of a much-loved Chester publican have been announced by his family.

Mike Mercer of the Albion Inn and Chester's longest serving landlord was just two weeks away from marking 50 years as licensee of the popular pub when he sadly passed away on Friday 29th October.

In announcement on social media, Mike's wife Christina said 

" A private cremation, for close family only, will be followed by a Service of Celebration of Mike's life at St. John's Church (by the Amphitheatre) at 3.00 p.m. on Friday 19th November to which all friends are warmly invited. Please wear something cheerful and instead of flowers, donations will be welcome in support of Charities of Mike's choice. We have re-opened the pub (which is what Mike would have wanted) and will be open and serving food lunch and evening Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Please come in and share happy memories and stories about Mike and the Albion which will be so important to all our family. There is also a book of condolence for people to sign."

As tributes to Mr Mercer continued to pour in on social media, Mrs Mercer said "As a family, we have been completely overwhelmed by the number of cards, letters, phone calls and messages of condolence we have received since Mike passed away, the tributes and kind words written about him, and The Albion on social media have been so heartfelt and thoughtful, everyone has been so very kind and supportive, it really means so much to all the family."

Those paying tribute to Mr Mercer on social media include Chris Matheson, MP for the City of Chester who said "I was deeply saddened to hear the awful news of the death of Mike Mercer. The term 'legend' is not used lightly, but Mike was exactly that. It is not that easy running a pub, especially in recent times but Mike held his own for almost 50 years. Mike was once of the great characters of Chester and he will be greatly missed by everyone in our community. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Mike's family and loved ones. Thank you Mike for everything you did for Chester and may you rest in peace. Here's to Mike". 

Also paying tribute, Granada Reports presenter and ITV Newsreader Lucy Meacock said "Never a dull moment with Mike and Christina. A proper pub. Thank you for all those hilarious nights. I first started going to the Albion in the late 70s with colleagues when I joined the Chester Chronicle. I was only there recently with family for a birthday drink. So many happy times. Sending love to Christina and Mike's family and friends. Chester won't be the same without him".

Pictured - Mike Mercer, Landlord of The Albion Inn, Chester.