Kind and gentle Lancashire pub landlord was plagued with financial woes
A kind and gentle pub landlord who was plagued with financial woes was found hanged at the premises he ran, an inquest was told.
Area coroner Emma Mather heard that well-known Pascal Meulemeester was found dead at the Park Hotel in St Oswald Street, Lancaster.
She recorded a suicide conclusion at an inquest at Preston Coroner's Court.
Mr Meulemeester, aged 50, was described as "kind and gentle" by friends and family.
The Belgian national was well-known in various Lancaster pubs including the George and Dragon and the Three Mariners before taking over the Park Hotel in 2025.
His friend Faye said in a statement that Mr Muelemeester loved music and pubs and was kind and gentle.
He had had some "difficult" past relationships and did not have access to his daughter. He liked a drink and could be quiet and withdrawn on occasions.
She knew he was falling behind financially with the pub. Carolyn Goodwin, area business manager with Thwaites Brewery, said in a statement that she was saddened to hear of Mr Muelemeester's death.
In April 2025 the tenancy of the Park Hotel was advertised and Mr Muelemeester got it.
Ms Goodwin said she later knew that he was having financial problems so they came to an agreement over the rent.
Standards at the pub did not reach the level required and in October 2025 he was given three months' notice to quit.
After several meetings things still did not improve.O n November 14 a member of staff reported for work and found the pub open and in darkness. There was a note on the bar and the member of staff called the police and then found Mr Muelemeester hanged in the back yard.
Paramedics attended and confirmed he was dead.
The cause of death was hanging.
Police investigated and found no suspicious circumstances.
An examination of his mobile phone showed multiple loan inquiries and correspondence from finance companies.
There was also a screen grab of a banking app showing who needed paying.
Mr Muelemeester's sister Nathalie, who attended the inquest, told the coroner she was extremely grateful for the love and support shown for her brother by the Lancaster community.
Coroner Ms Mather said Mr Muelemeester's note showed a degree of intention to hang himself.
The coroner said it was clear he was a popular landlord who had ideas for the pub but was "struggling to meet those expectations."
He didn't reach out for professional support for his problems.
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