Sadness as hospitality figure Derek Patterson dies

Derek Patterson, a prominent figure in NI’s hospitality scene, has died.
Derek PattersonDerek Patterson
Derek Patterson

Mr Patterson, who would have been 54 next month, died in the St John’s Road area of Hillsborough today, a country lane to the west of the Co Down village itself.

It is understood it is not being treated as suspicious.

Described as both a chef and businessman, his operations included The Plough, Hillsborough, The Tannery, Moira, and he was a director of the Hillsborough Oyster Festival. The UUP’s Jenny Palmer said she was “deeply saddened”.

She added: “Just heartbreaking! The Lord is my Shepherd.”

Naldo Morelli, of the well-known Italian-Ulster ice-cream making family, said: “Awful sad news about Derek Patterson from The Plough in Hillsborough. Always ahead of the game & seemed to be very passionate about food & his business.”