PROMINENT figures from Northern Ireland's hospitality sector are expected to be among hundreds of mourners at the funeral of Derek Patterson today.
Employees and customers of the 53-year-old are also set to join family and friends at the service in his home village of Hillsborough.
The co-owner of the Hillsborough-based Plough Group of restaurants and renowned chef was found dead close to his home last Tuesday.
The father-of-four's death is not being treated as suspicious.
His restaurants, including the Plough Inn, The Pheasant and the Tannery, are all set to remain closed today.
Mr Patterson helped establish the Hillsborough Oyster Festival in 1992 and he has been described as an "inspiration both as a character and as a businessman" and "an ambassador for Hillsborough and beyond".
The father-of-four's funeral is due to take place at Hillsborough Presbyterian Church at 11.30am.
