'An inspiration and local legend' - Tributes pour in for founder of popular West Bromwich pub
“A pioneer of The Vine’s mixed grill, Suki leaves behind a lasting legacy that will live on through the pub and his family.”
Tributes have poured in following the death of the founder of a popular West Bromwich pub.
Suresh Patel, known to many as Suki, ran The Vine for almost 50 years.
Suki came over to England from Kenya in the late 1950s.
He then got married to Bhanu Patel in the 70s, and the two took ownership of the establishment in Roebuck Street in 1978.
He has died following a short illness, the pub announced on social media.
The post said: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of The Vine’s founder, Suresh Patel, affectionately known to many as Suki, following a short illness.
“Suki ran The Vine for almost 50 years and was a much-loved part of the local community. He will be greatly missed.
“A pioneer of The Vine’s mixed grill, Suki leaves behind a lasting legacy that will live on through the pub and his family.
“In keeping with what Suki would have wanted, The Vine will remain open. The family kindly asks for privacy at this difficult time and appreciates your understanding.
“Thank you to all our customers for your kindness and support, now and in the future.”
Many people have paid tribute to Suki on social media with some calling him a “local legend”.
One said: “Sad news. I met Suki through his brother Pat who used to run another pub that turned out stunning food.
“The Vine is more than a pub, more than an eatery with fabulous food and drink, Suki and family made it into an iconic meeting place for all colours and races and creeds.”
Another wrote: “Such a sad sad day for myself, after 27 years of working for the Vine !!
“Suki literally gave me a job interview at the bar 27 years ago, an within a day I got the job !!
“I'm heartbroken and feel so much for his family as I've always been apart of this, saddened to the core. RIP Mr Patel you will always be an inspiration to my life.”
A third said: “Sad news indeed. He was a pioneer in linking wonderfully authentic Indian cuisine and British style pub culture under one roof - a model that is now widespread around the West Midlands and beyond.
“In fact it is now recognised as an economically viable method of combining these two great traditions.
“RIP Suki. Deepest sympathies to the family.”
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