Along with many others, I was saddened to learn about the passing of Tony Bell.

My wife and I were among the first customers when he took over the Pickwick Inn in Bigbury in 1988. He took over a pub that was pretty dire and turned it into a really first class “hostelry” – great ambience, excellent food and good service.

It was a sad day when he “retired” but it was not long before he was back doing the same thing at the California Cross Inn. For years, it has been one of the very best places to visit for an excellent meal or just a drink. At a time when so many pubs are struggling or indeed closing down, Tony has, for many years, shown how it could and should be done.

The “Cali” was always a busy pub with great character, award-winning food and, of course, Tony was so good at getting excellent staff.

He sold the pub earlier this year and it was really very sad that he was not able to enjoy retirement with his lovely wife, Marion. He will be greatly missed.

Michael Baker

Bigbury Court, Bigbury