Tributes have been paid to a “brilliant grandfather” and restaurateur to the stars.

Born in Cyprus, Christoforos Toumazis moved to England in 1952 where he set up La Primavera restaurant in North End Road, Golders Green, and Alamandra in Hornsey High Street.

Among his clientele at La Primavera were television stars such as Bob Monkhouse and Danny La Rue, who would pop over the road for a bite to eat in-between filming at the Hippodrome.

Mr Toumazis, who lived in Mill Hill, had many repeat customers and was well known for his tasty taramasalata and his profiteroles.

He married his wife Melia in 1959 and had three children called Sophie, Thomas and Tia, as well as six grandchildren called George, Stephanie, Christopher, Christof, Gabriel and Electra.

His daughter, Sophie Toumazis, who lives in Highgate, said: “He was always there if you needed him but he was never interfering. He was very grounded, very down to earth and practical, kind and absolutely 100 per cent a family man.

"He was a brilliant grandfather and was into new technology – he loved his iPad and was an avid reader. He loved his Kindle and the last book he read on it was the Life of Pi.”

Mr Toumazis was also a member of the Golders Green Rotary Club and enjoyed raising money for charity.

He died on Saturday, April 20 at the age of 83 and his funeral was held at  Holy Cross & St Michaels Church in The Riding, Golders Green, yesterday.