Tributes to Bexhill restaurateur Louis

Born in Cyprus in 1941, Louis moved to England when he was 18 and worked in a hospital in London. At 23, he moved to Hastings to work for his uncle in a restaurant, and it was here that he met Carol, his wife of 45 years.

Carol said: “I met Louis on my 17th birthday; he was the best present I’ve ever had!”

Louis and his brother, Chris, then bought and ran the Le Flacon restaurant in Hastings. Then, in 1981, Louis opened Louis’ Fish Bar in Sea Road.

This later expanded to become Louis’ Fish Restaurant, and it is now run by Louis’ son, Andy. It is due to celebrate its 30 year anniversary this Easter.

Andy said: “My dad worked so hard to build a successful family business and I am very proud to be able to continue in his footsteps”

Since retiring, Louis spent the majority of his time back in Cyprus, with family and childhood friends and enjoyed growing a variety of fruit and vegetables and making his own olive oil.

Relative Nick Johnson said: “Louis was one of life’s characters, often seen in his trademark flat cap with a glass of whisky in one hand and worry beads in the other.

“Louis was a kind and very generous man who was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him.”

Louis was a family man who leaves behind his devoted wife Carol, son Andy, daughters Nina and Louiza, their respective spouses and three grandchildren.

• Louis’ funeral will take place at Westfield Church on Tuesday, January 18 at noon. Flowers or donations to Cancer Research UK are invited through funeral directors DC Mercer and Sons, of Sedlescombe Road North, Silverhill, St Leonards-on-Sea.