‘Thank you Pedro’ - Sunflower customers wish farewell to publican Pedro Donald as he looks towards new life in Amsterdam

After a shock announcement from Belfast publican Pedro Donald that he was selling up and leaving Belfast for a new life in Amsterdam, patrons of the Sunflower have toasted his good health.

The 58-year-old established the popular venue on Union Street in 2012, followed by the American Bar in Sailortown.

Having previously managed the John Hewitt, many were surprised by his decision to leave and of his blunt assessment of Belfast, which he told The Irish News had lost hope after the end of the Troubles to become “a dump and derelict”.

While previously stating there would be no party and he would quietly slip away, customers had their chance to say goodbye after all.

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A picture from the beer garden on the pub’s social media, in a scene not unlike the classic sitcom Cheers, the caption simply read: “Thank you Pedro”.

By accident, his departure from Belfast also marks 40 years since he pulled his first pint at The King’s Head in Balmoral (now The Doyen) in February 1984.

“You would think after 40 years we’d be in a better place, but we’re not. The state of Belfast is equally as bad, but in a different way,” he told the Irish News last month.

“It used to be bombs and bullets, it’s now just a dump and derelict. It’s filthy, it’s drugs ridden, crime, homelessness.

“All cities have these problems, but I would like to think that other cities are doing something about it. We don’t seem to be doing anything about it.

“We’ve no government, and even if it does come back it’s only a matter of time before it collapses again.

“It’s a cert, you could go to the bookies and make a fortune.”

While not sharing the optimism among many for Stormont’s return on Saturday, Mr Donald added that he would still return regularly to Belfast from his new home.

“I cannot wait till next week. I’ll be out that door and you’ll not be able to catch me,” he said.

“Even though I love this pub, I love the people and the whole arts community…I’ve done my bit.”