A WELL-KNOWN Upper Wharfedale businessman has died at Airedale General Hospital after battling with cancer.

Sixty-six-year-old Denis Watkins transformed the Angel Inn at Hetton into one of Craven's most successful restaurants.

He bought the pub with his wife, Juliet, 21 years ago.

It was then in receivership and the couple decided that excellent food with the qualities of a traditional English pub would be a winning combination.

This formula became better known as "the gastro-pub", a title that Mr Watkins detested, but accepted as being reflective of the Angel.

"The catering industry has lost one of its leading lights," said John Topham, who had known Mr Watkins for 18 years, first as an employee and then as a business partner.

He added: "Denis led the way making the Angel Inn one of the first and best dining pubs in the country and has led the way for the past 20 years.

"He was very well respected by all who worked with and for him and I know he will be greatly missed. Personally, I have lost a mentor, a father figure and a great friend."

Further tribute was paid by Bruce Elsworth, who is head chef at the Angel and had worked with Mr Watkins for eight-and-a-half years.

He said: "Denis was a great mentor and excellent businessman. I am who I am today because of him. He will be sadly missed for a long time."

Over the years as the menu at the Angel became more adventurous the ethos remained the same.

Mr Watkins coined the marketing phrase "fish on Friday" and the Angel became well known throughout the north, eventually winning the AA seafood restaurant of the year.

Under his directorship the Angel picked up a number of awards. Mr Watkins himself won a lifetime achievement award from Life Magazine and was named pub operator of the year in 1998 by the Caterer and Hotelkeeper magazine.

He also oversaw a number of changes at the Angel, including the addition of a French style wine cave last year.

Mr Watkins was also an active fundraiser. Recently he was able to hand over £14,800 to fund a UNICEF drilling project for 10 new wells in Ethiopia to provide safe, clean drinking water.

A spokesman for the Angel said: "Denis was deeply committed to supporting a number of charities at home and abroad both personally and through the business. This support will be continued by his family and The Angel."

Described as innovative and humorous, Mr Watkins also had numerous interests, ranging from sport and music to ballet and, of course, his passion for wine, particularly French.

Mr Watkins leaves behind his wife, Juliet, a son, two daughters and a grandson.