TRIBUTES have flooded in for the manager of a Basingstoke bar who died suddenly.

Staff at The Tea Bar, in London Street, at the Top of Town, said they are “heartbroken” following the death of their manager Russell Johnston on Thursday, March 7.

The bar was closed over the weekend and a message posted on its social media on Monday, March 11 informed customers of Russell’s death.

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Hayden Gowan, who owns the bar, said everyone at the Tea Bar is “heartbroken” and said Russell will be “sorely missed”.

The post on its social media pages said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the heart-breaking news of the passing of our beloved Russell Johnston. Our hearts are broken.

“Russ was a huge part of The Tea Bar family. Our leader. Our manager. Our friend.”

He was described as “lighting up any room he entered” with an “immaculate welcoming smile, perfectly trimmed beard and contagious laugh”.

“It’s hard to find the words on how much Russell will be missed,” the post said, adding: “A big hole has been left in all our lives that knew him.

“Our thoughts, prayers and love go out to his amazing family, whom we at The Tea Bar will continue to support along with each other at this heart-breaking time. Forever in our hearts.”

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A fundraising page set up to pay for a ‘send off’ for Russell has so far raised an incredible £5,925 in just five days, with almost 200 people donating.

The Go Fund Me, organised by Carolyn Reynolds, says: “Raising funds for our dear departed son, brother, grandson and friend Russell Johnston who passed away suddenly on Thursday 7th March 2024.

“Russell lived a life to the full and was beloved by all who knew him. He was proud of his managerial position at the Tea Bar in Basingstoke where he was a well-known personality regularly entertaining the crowds with a rendition of Gangsters Paradise and Country Roads on karaoke and his wicked sense of humour.”

It continued: “Russell will be deeply and immeasurably missed and we are thankful for the many wonderful memories we have of our loved and adored Russell.

“We thank everyone so much for all of the love and support at this heart-breaking time.”

The fundraiser had a target of £500 but the donations are continuing to pour in as people leave messages in memory of Russell.

Carolyn thanked everyone for their contributions saying they have “gone above and beyond our target to raise so much money to cover everything we need to give our beloved son, brother, grandson and loyal friend a beautiful send off to say our final goodbyes on the day of his departure”.

Dozens of people have paid tribute to Russell following his death. 

Stuart Banger Nicks said: “Russ, you sir will be missed beyond words, you made playing at the Tea Bar such a great event for all of us at Copperhead, it was an immense pleasure to know you and work with you. Rest well mate.”

Joe Turner said: “Brother for life, I love you always be in my heart, still really don’t know how to feel, what to do with myself just numb, confused and lost but time to make you proud and be the best version of myself like you always tried to get me to be. Until we meet again.”

Mandy Jane Rawlings described Russell as “such a great man”, adding: “Going to miss him so much.”

To donate visit Fundraiser by Carolyn Reynolds : Russell Johnston Memorial Fund (gofundme.com)