Bury
Tributes pour in for bar owner and ‘Prestwich legend’ after sudden death at 45
'We love you so much Mike'
Daisy Jackson -
24th April 2024 
The Prestwich community has been left shaken by the sudden death of visionary local figure Mike Price, who ran the Cuckoo bar and restaurant.
Cuckoo and his family announced yesterday that Mike had unexpectedly passed away at the age of just 45.
His passing has triggered a huge outpouring of grief and gratitude for the work he did for Prestwich, where he has been described as a ‘pioneer’ and ‘pivotal driver’ in the town’s development.
Mike has run Cuckoo since it first opened way back in 2013, when the town’s high street looked very different.
Since then, the neighbourhood has blossomed around it and was this year once again named one of the UK’s best places to live by The Times.
Many of those businesses that have sprung up over the last decade were first to issue tributes to ‘Prestwich legend’ Mike after Cuckoo broke the heartbreaking news.
The bar wrote: “The family and Cuckoo team are devastated to share our sadness that our beloved Mike unexpectedly passed away yesterday. We love you so much Mike.”
It later shared: “Mike would want Cuckoo to continue, so we will be open [today] from 3pm. We would love for anyone to pop in, speak to the team, have a drink and take time to reflect. This is what Mike would have wanted.”
Award-winning chippy Chips @ No 8 wrote: “Devastated and heartbroken to hear the news this morning. His legacy is all around us. Prestwich wouldn’t be what it is without his vision.”
The Goods In said: “A massive shock & a massive loss. Sending all our love to the team & his family” while its sister cafe All The Shapes shared: “We just can’t believe this heartbreaking news. Unbelievably sad. We are thinking of you all and are here if you need any support. Xxxx.”
Freehand artist Myro Doodles – whose work is visible in windows all across town – said: “Just can’t believe it. A Prestwich legend, how much joy have we all had from what he created eh. Love to his girls and the whole Cuckoo family. we’ve got you xxx.”
Indoor plant business Nonsense, which used to have a presence on the Prestwich high street, said: “Oh wow such a shock, thoughts go out to Mike’s family and friends. A pioneer of the Prestwich we see today! such sad news xx”
Artist Stanley Chow said: “OMg… so sorry to hear this devastating news…”
Another person wrote: “Lost for words… Mike was a key player in making Prestwich the vibrant town that it is today. I am absolutely heartbroken and shocked to see this. I can’t believe it. Sending so much love to you all at this time…”
Someone else shared: “Gutted seeing this and reading it over and over again. Mike inspired me, taught me, mentored me and guided me as a boss and as a friend in the early days of my career and I could never thank him enough for that. He also introduced me to music, shops, new artists and designers and talked nonstop about “amaaayzin’ paaarties with the best viiiiibe”, just because he wanted me to feel as happy in the discovery of new stuff as he did. A selfless man. Love you, Pricey. Thanks for everything.”
One tribute said: “Heartbroken. Mike has been a pivotal driver in making prestwich what it’s had become and is still becoming. Lost for words”
Similarly, one person wrote: “Lost for words really. Mike leaves such a legacy in what he’s done for Prestwich but most of all a big hole in our hearts. Sending lots of love to his family and to all at @cuckoo_prestwich.”
And finally, one tribute said: “Lost for words. What Mike did for my home town, I will never be able to thank him enough for. Mike brought Prestwich together as a community and made it what it is today. Big love.”
Read more
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Featured image: Cuckoo Prestwich
