Restaurant owner Minos Mina was a popular, larger than life character and a much-loved member of the community, who was known to almost everyone in ­Belsize Park.

Not just a smiling restaurateur, the owner of Greek eatery Retsina in Belsize Lane, was also a loyal friend to many who are mourning his sudden death.

Always full of life, he carried a huge smile with him wherever he went and wore his heart on his sleeve.

Minos had many close friends whom he loved, appreciated ­immensely and treated as extended family.

His pride and joy was his highly successful business and restaurant, which is nestled in Belsize Village.

Minos passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 13 at the age of 41.

He was born in hospital in Euston in 1972. He attended the London College of Printing and Distributive Trades and the London College of Fashion, part of the University of the Arts London, after leaving school.

He immediately took up full ownership and management of Retsina from his father Harry ­after leaving university 15 years ago and ran the restaurant ever since.

As front of house, Minos was there every day, ready to meet, greet and take care of new and regular customers – many of whom became great friends as well as loyal customers.

The restaurant has become an institution with many patrons going back 30 years to the original family Taverna in Primrose Hill, when it was run by Minos’ parents.

In 2009, he and his mother reached the semi-finals of the fifth season of Gordon Ramsay’s The F Word to find the best local restaurant in the UK. A trophy from the show is proudly on display in Retsina.

He was a generous, giving and caring individual and a loving member of the Mina family, whom he doted upon, in particular his little niece and goddaughter, Athené-May Mina.

He was the beloved son of Harry and Zeta Mina, the much-loved brother of Leon Mina, and a caring brother-in-law to Nancy Mina.

A funeral service will be held at 10am next Thursday (September 5) at St Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church in Wood Green. Burial will follow the funeral at New Southgate Cemetery in Brunswick Park and a reception will be held at Retsina.

On behalf of Minos’ family, we wish to thank all family and friends for their love, kind words and support.

Minos would be so touched by the affection shown and we look forward to seeing you once again at his beloved Retsina, which will re-open in mid-September.

Charitable donations to the Haven House Children’s Hospice in Essex instead of flowers would be much appreciated and can be made at www.justgiving.com/Leon-Mina1