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Tributes have been flowing to the owner of a Preston city centre wine bar who has died.
Fellow city pubs and bars, nightlife groups and those who regularly visited Winedown have united in their outpouring of sadness at the death of Douglas Lowe aged 57.
Known as Doogie, or Doug, he founded Winedown and died in a freak accident while driving in Cumbria last week – when a tree fell on his car during a storm.
His son, Will, who survived the crash, led the tributes saying: “At 14 years old myself and Dad started this little venture alongside one another.
“My love of wine and spirits, my knowledge of drinks and hospitality have all grown out of time spent with Dad and working at Winedown.
“They are memories that made me and that I shall always hold dear. I will never forget those countless hours in the bar surrounded by a close knit set of truly wonderful customers. I am sure that all who read this will know the devotion Dad showed to running this fantastic small business.”
Preston’s Business Improvement District manager, Mark Whittle, said on behalf of the BID and Preston At Night: “Doogie was a much respected member of Preston’s bar and leisure scene, having worked really hard to bring Winedown, something very unique, to the city.
“He was well known, and well liked for his professionalism, humour, and respect for his customers.
“Winedown was voted Preston’s bar of the year in 2023, by the public, which is testament to Doogie’s hard work, and that of his family and team.
“The city centre will be darker place without him, and we join others in sending our thoughts and best wishes to his family, friends, and extended Winedown family.”
The Vinyl Tap team said: “We’re here for you Will. We love you. We are beyond sad tonight, and are raising our glasses to our magnificent friend who we can’t believe we will never again. Sean is distraught. Shout us if you need anything, we’ll be straight there.”
Winedown fans have been leaving their memories and tributes to Doogie including their memories of ‘Winedown on Wheels’ when Doogie diversified during lockdown.
Tim Hayward said: “So so sorry for your loss Will that is so sad and tragic, your Dad was an incredible human who always brightened up the lives of everyone he met, I count myself lucky to have shared time with him, his visits at the end of my drive with Winedown on Wheels during lockdown were legendary, many many condolences to you and your family …. Dougie …. A great man who will be terribly missed …. RIP Dougie.”
And Jake Lester said: “Utterly gobsmacked by this news. Doogie and Winedown made Preston special for me and Vicki Lester when we moved here a few years ago, and we absolutely loved seeing him whenever we visited Winedown, whether for a quiz, an impromptu visit, or a Christmas dessert wine flight. Doogie is why we now love wine and we especially remember Winedown on wheels during lockdown. We are sending so much love to you and your family Will.”
Will have vowed to continue Winedown. He said: “It is my hope that this will not be the end of Winedown and that when the dust has settled we will come back even stronger, retaining our ability to treat every customer as a friend welcomed into our lives.”
Douglas Lowe’s funeral will take place on Tuesday 10 September at 12noon at Howe Bridge Crematorium in Lovers’ Lane, Atherton.
A celebration of his life will take place after at Golborne Sports and Social Club, Stone Cross Lane, Golborne, Warrington.
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