Tributes have been paid to a much-loved landlord of an iconic pub who was found dead in Camden Town.

Mick Doheny, of the World’s End pub, was found by police lying unconscious in Pratt Street in the early hours of Thursday (November 8).

Officers tried to resuscitate him before paramedics arrived at the scene, but the publican was pronounced dead at 4.50am.

Mr Doheny, 49, had been out drinking with friends from the Camden Inner London Licensing Association, which he chaired. The Irishman had meandered his way from the Camden Head, stopping off at Sheephaven Bay on his way to his favourite watering hole the Golden Lion for a nightcap, according to friends.

The married father-of-three was found nearby just hours later, collapsed in the street.

Police are treating his death as “unexplained”, but they do not believe violence played any part in Mr Doheny’s death. The results of a post-mortem have proved inconclusive.

An inquest into his death was opened and adjourned at St Pancras Coroner’s Court on Tuesday while further tests can be carried out.

Deputy manager at the World’s End Marek Wisniewski, who has known Mr Doheny for eight years, said his death was a huge loss to the Camden community.

Mr Wisniewski, who has been inundated with calls since Mr Doheny’s death, said: “He was a great, great person, very helpful and always had time for everyone even the cleaners, always willing to give advice and help people.

“Everyone respected him so much for his ideas and vision of Camden and if there was a licensing problem, he was always there.

“He was a cheery, lively personality, loved and respected by everyone.”

Mr Doheny moved to the area 16 years ago as general manager at the iconic pub, helping to transform it from a haunt for a rougher clientele to a welcoming pub for tourists in the area.

He also introduced a little Celtic edge to the Underworld music venue next door, renowned as a springboard for rock and metal musicians.

Mr Doheny joined the Camden Inner London Licensing Association and immersed himself in licensing battles on behalf of beleaguered pubs. Just this year he helped stave off closure for the Golden Lion.

He was also a founding member of Camden Town Unlimited, which works to improve the area for visitors and tourists.

Michael Nicholas, who owns the Enterprise pub in Chalk Farm and the Lock Tavern in Camden Town, had been friends with Mr Doheny for decades. He had been at a gathering with Mr Doheny to meet Borough Commander Richard Tucker, just hours before Mr Doheny was found dead.

Mr Nicholas said: “Mick was big into his Celtic and Irish music and hurling as well.

“He was a big character and a help to most people in Camden. He loved the place and got things done, helping out the smaller members in the association.”

Mr Doheny’s family is planning to hold a service in Ireland.

A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft at the scene and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

One man, 42, and two women, aged 33 and 37, were also arrested, but have been released without charge.