HESWALL restaurateur Patrick Allen was found dead at his Wirral home last Sunday morning.

The coroner has been informed and an inquest was due to be opened yesterday afternoon (Tuesday).

Mr Allen, who was in his early 40s, started Crispins restaurant in Telegraph Road in November 1991, building up a huge fan following with his flamboyant style and unforgettable personality, writes Globe Dining Out editor Jane Young.

Prior to 1991 he had travelled the world perfecting his culinary talents, spending two years in Amsterdam, two in Germany, three in Switzerland and 12 months in Saudi Arabia before taking up head chefships in Craxton Wood Hotel, Rossett Hall Hotel, Llyndir Hall Hotel and the Wild Boar Hotel at Beeston.

A self-confessed keep-fit fanatic, he ran at least a dozen marathons.

Mr Allen leaves a widow, Sarah, and daughters Florence and Rosie.

The funeral arrangements had not been finalised at the time of going to press but details are available from Laurence Jones Funeral Directors at Castle House, Teehey Lane, Bebington, on 608-8503.

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