Community saddened by sudden death of popular Waterbeach pub landlord

A community has been left in shock following the sudden death of a pub landlord in Waterbeach.

Andrew Lane died on Sunday lunchtime (January 15) at The Sun Inn pub in Chapel Street which he ran with his wife, Helen Norman-Lane.

Paramedics and the East Anglian Air Ambulance attended but were unable to save Andrew, who Helen described as her “rock”.

She told the Cambridge Independent: “My Andrew has left such a huge hole in mine and my daughter’s life. We are lost without him. He was such a big part of our village life.”

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 1.18pm on Sunday to a medical emergency at a public house on Chapel Street in Waterbeach.

“An ambulance, rapid response vehicle, ambulance officer and the East Anglian Air Ambulance were sent to the scene. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the medical team, the patient was pronounced dead at the scene.”

In a message on Facebook, Helen wrote: “It’s with heavy heart that this lunchtime I lost my love, Andrew Lane, your beloved landlord of The Sun Inn. Hope to see you all soon. Thank you for all your love xx.”

Members of the community told of the sadness at his death and offered their condolences to Helen and her daughter.

One said: “Unbelievable news. So sorry for you Helen. Since you and Andy took over the sun I’ve really appreciated all you’ve done for the community. Andy will be sorely missed.”

Another wrote: “I'm so sorry to hear this, Andrew was a great man, amazing landlord and a fantastic friend to so many people. My love and thoughts are with you all at this awful time.”

Paying tribute, Alistair Cook, pubs officer at the Cambridge and District CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) told the Cambridge Independent: “I and my Cambridge CAMRA colleagues were saddened to hear of the death of Andy Lane, landlord of the Sun Inn, Waterbeach.

“He and his partner Helen have run the Sun Inn for over 14 years making it a destination pub for many local drinkers. The pub has appeared in most editions of the Good Beer Guide since then including all of the five most recent editions.

“Andy knew and enjoyed his beers, especially darker ales. He knew how to care for them so that his customers always had a good pint at The Sun. The Sun's Beer & Music festivals were always worth visiting as Andy would have carefully selected a range of styles and strengths to suit all tastes and they would inevitably include some that you’d never had before. All would have been cared for so that they’d be in tip-top condition for the festival.

“Andy also enjoyed visiting other beer festivals and would usually get a group together to visit those put on by the local CAMRA branches. Our thoughts are with Helen at this difficult time.”