Tributes paid for local nightclub developer Bryan West

Tributes paid for local nightclub developer Bryan West

The funeral for former nightclub boss and esteemed local business man Bryan West took place yesterday morning.

The leading figure in Northern Ireland’s licensed trade died aged 71 at Holywood Care Home following a short battle with cancer.

Tributes were paid to Bryan, who was instrumental in developing what became known as Belfast’s ‘Golden Mile’ as proprietor of Pips International on the Dublin Road.

Pips was once the hottest spot in Belfast, packed with the biggest socialites in the city.

Bryan had a reputation for being a sharp market player, successful businessman, and a bit of a maverick in the industry.  He was famous for his ‘play hard, party harder’ outlook on life.

Director of House Belfast, Michael Stewart, commented: “Bryan was a trend setter. He brought life to the Dublin road and had ideas that nobody else had at the time. Having Gloria Gaynor for three nights in a row at Pips bar was a massive highlight during his heyday. Bryan was someone who broke the mould and brought fresh innovation to the nightlife in Belfast.”

As a leading businessman, he played a big part in shaping the fabric of Belfast’s nightclub scene.

Bryan was responsible for developing and running the old Copeland Hotel in Donaghadee, the Bryansburn in Bangor and Dempseys in Belfast for decades.

He also purchased a rundown bar in east Belfast and paved the way for the recent resurgence of nightlife in Ballyhackamore.

Friends and family played tribute to Bryan’s life at his funeral at Roselawn Crematorium yesterday morning.