A community has rallied to remember the “warm and funny” owner of an iconic Tooting bar who died last week.

Martin Pannett owned The Little Bar, in Mitcham Road, and was known by so many for his welcoming nature, music and great cocktails.

His death has been dubbed a sad loss to the area and the bar has been flooded with flowers and cards.

The 49-year-old was found unresponsive at the bar on Thursday afternoon. His death is not being treated as suspicious.

Friends have expressed their shock and sadness at his sudden death and many neighbouring businesses paid their respects.

Many people said he made them feel welcome while others highlighted the role he played as part of the local community.

Madeleine Lim, who co-owns The Little Bar, said on behalf of everyone at the bar: “We are trying to come to terms with what has happened and we really appreciated everyone’s really kind words and flowers over the past few days.”

Wandsworth Times:

Tragic news: The flower tributes continued to grow over the weekend 

In paying tribute to him, one customer said: “We only met you a few times in The Little Bar but it was a pleasure to meet you your warm hospitality shone through.

“I am so shocked and saddened. I hope you can rest in peace now. Tooting has lost a great man in the community who made the place smart with The Little Bar.”

Wandsworth Times:

Jane Oddy said: “Martin was the heart and soul of The Little Bar. Chatty and friendly, he always made you feel like his favourite customer when you walked in.

“His energy and enthusiasm really helped it take off when it first opened three years ago and it has remained a vibrant and important part of our local bar scene ever since - mainly thanks to him.

“He brought a lot to our community and I will miss him. I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing.”

Wandsworth Times:

Lovely host: Many people remarked what a great host he was 

Michael and Ruth Howard said: “Tragic news. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. He will be sadly missed. RIP Martin.”

Jo Blyton said: “He mixed a mean cocktail, made sweet music and told a great tale. He was warm funny and he made The Little Bar huge. Miss you.”

Paddy and Jimmy, from the Ramble Inn pub, Mitcham Road, said: “We give our sincere condolences to the family at this very sad time.”

Gary Wright said: “Dreadfully, dreadfully sad and shocked. I will miss you dear Martin.”

Karel Hutter said: “Really shocked and saddened to hear of Martin’s death. A very warm welcoming and genuine person. A sad loss to the area. May he rest in peace.”

Linus Bewley said: “A lovely host, friendly guy who made you feel welcome and part of your local community. So sad to hear this terrible news.”

Other people used social networking sites to express their feelings. One person described him as a superb host who invested masses in Tooting, while another described him as lovely.

Wandsworth Times:

Popular: Businesses across Tooting have paid tribute to Mr Pannett 

A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said: “Police were called at 2.30pm today, Thursday, April 9, to reports of an unresponsive man at a bar in Mitcham Road, Tooting.

“Officers, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade attended and found the 49-year-old man.

“He was taken to a south London hospital where he later died.”