A PUB landlord who turned licensed premises into “centres for the community” has died at the age of 69.

Richard Michael ‘Mike’ Cristofoli left St Peter’s School in Tuckton at 15 with dreams of becoming a chef.

However, he went on to join the family business, Martin Cristofoli & Sons, firstly as a labourer.

In time, he became an expert at his craft and achieved the distinction of master tiler.

But his great passion always lay in entertaining, and in 1993, he and wife Gerda took on the running of the Railway Inn in Bargates, Christchurch.

The couple managed the pub for three years, amassing a number of staunchly loyal regulars, but they say they were forced to close in March 1996 because of newly-introduced franchise rules that “crippled” the business.

Mr Cristofoli told the Echo at the time: “Our brewery has been taken over and now we have to pay two per cent of our takings.

“We don’t agree with this, so we’re quitting.”

Shortly afterwards, they took on the running of the Wheatsheaf Hotel in Lymington, where once again Mr Cristofoli’s legendary hospitality ensured it became a beloved favourite for locals.

His son-in-law, Philip Pentney, said: “He absolutely loved to cook and play host.

“He made some lovely dishes, which I think must have been the Italian in him. He just enjoyed that social element of it.”

Mr Cristofoli died at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital on Sunday, June 1.

He is survived by Gerda, to whom he was wed in 1992, children Gina, 36, Karen, 47, and Janette, 49, and 18-year-old grandson Christopher.

The funeral service has taken place.