Tributes have been paid to the 'founder and inspiration' of the firm behind one of Greater Manchester's best-loved pubs.
Mike Field, founder of the Beerhouses Pubs company which runs Stalybridge Buffet Bar, died in the early hours of Tuesday morning (July 27).
The 70-year-old launched Beerhouses Pubs in Dewsbury in 1994 with the opening of the West Riding - one of five pubs the company runs in West Yorkshire.
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But beer lovers in Greater Manchester will be most familiar with Stalybridge Buffet Bar - based at the Tameside town's railway station - which is the firm's only bar outside West Yorkshire.
In a post on Facebook, Beerhouses Pubs announced that Mike had died 'peacefully at home with his family by his side' earlier today.
A spokesperson for Beerhouses Pubs said: "Mike, who started our company in 1994 with the opening of the West Riding, was responsible for creating a culture and passion for real ale in his hometown and beyond which would in turn put Dewsbury on the Real Ale map.
"He played a major role in the early days of Heavy Woollen CAMRA and leaves a legacy that we will continue to build on. A great man, he will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.
"We would love for you to all to join the Beerhouses family in celebrating his amazing achievements and contribution to the real ale world by raising a glass of his favourite tipple, a real ale and 'none of this lager nonsense' as he would say.
"Our thoughts are with Mike’s wife Mary, step-daughter Sarah and his wider family and friends at this terribly sad time."
Beerhouses Pubs also runs The Old Turk in Dewsbury, The Sportsman in Huddersfield, The Cricketers Arms in Wakefield and The Idle Beerhouse in Bradford.
Punters paid tribute to Mike on the Beerhouses Pubs' Facebook page, with one commenting: "So many memories of a wonderful man and someone who could always bring a smile to your face with his wit and intelligent conversation."
Another said: "A sad day for all who knew him, I’ll be eternally grateful for the wonderful pub that he gave us."
Stalybridge Buffet Bar, which still retains original features from when it first opened in 1885, is well known for its real ale selection and unique interior.
The popular pub hit the headlines earlier this month when it launched a crisp butty menu.
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