FRIENDS have paid tribute to a legendary Pembrokeshire landlord who died last week.

After twice being diagnosed with cancer, 61-year-old Burt Paterson lost his battle with the disease on Sunday, January 19.

Well-known throughout the town, he has been described as “the best landlord you could ever meet”, and his death has prompted messages of condolence from people around the county.

Originally from Scotland, Burt worked abroad before settling in Pembrokeshire as landlord of the Railway Inn, in Johnston.

He went on to run the Plasterer’s Arms in Dew Street, Top of the Town nightclub in Market Street and, most recently, Burt’s Bar in Bridgend Square.

In recent years, he lived with his wife Sue in Liddeston.

Well-known for his support of local football teams Prendergast Villa and Merlins Bridge, and his involvement in darts leagues, Burt also had a love of country music, with his favourite song being ‘I Love This Bar’ by Toby Keith.

Malcolm ‘Mackey’ Evans worked with Burt for more than 20 years.
“He was a brilliant person, one of the nicest you could meet. He would do anything for anybody,” he said.

“Behind the bar he was fantastic; I’ve never heard anyone say a bad word about him.”

Close friend Barry France described Burt as “the best landlord you could ever meet”.
“If you were down, he always had a kind word for you,” he said.

Local councillor Anthony Griffiths described Burt as “a true publican”.

“You don’t get people like him anymore,” he said. “Haverfordwest has lost one of its great characters, and the gap he has left will never be filled.”

A service to celebrate Burt's life will be held at Eddies, Quay Street, Haverfordwest, on Monday January 27 at 12.15pm. Burt had asked that people wear casual clothes and not black tie.

For those who wish to attend the crematorium, the service will be held at Parc Gwyn, Narberth, at 3.15pm.

Eddies owner Cllr Mark Edwards said he had known Burt since he was a teenager, and “couldn’t praise him enough”.

“Over the years, he’s given me so much advice, and he was respected by everyone,” he said.

“It’s hard to put into words, but he had a presence about him. It’s a huge void for the town.

“He was one of a kind.”