Dennis Lamb, the larger than life Bermudian character who ran the legendary Dennis' Hideaway restaurant in St. David's, died on Monday.

Mr. Lamb's offbeat and unpretentious eatery on Cashew City Road, became an Island landmark, attracting former presidents such as Jimmy Carter, rock star David Bowie, and film stars Michael Douglas and Robert Wagner.

The decor at Dennis's is best described as `basic' and diners bring their own alcohol to the little tables and benches where they sampled the hearty - often deep fried - fish dishes such as conch, unspecified `Bermuda fish', as well as shark hash and mussel stew.

With food served on a variety of umnatched plates, the television from the house often on, and Dennis entertaining customers with old stories, the restaurant has assumed iconic status since opening in 1967.

Since then, visitors, VIPs and residents have made the trek to the tiny St. David's eatery to sample an atmosphere that cannot be found in any of Bermuda's upmarket restaurants.

Mr. Lamb's son Graham, better known as Sea Egg, said last night he will continue to run the restaurant.

Former Department of Tourism public relations head Charles Webbe often took television crews to Dennis' for a final night fling.

"I normally took television groups there and no matter the time of night or day, Dennis was always on hand with Sea Egg to explain all the dishes and it made for a very entertaining evening for people who were doing stressful jobs filming," he said.

"He didn't sell his restaurant, he sold Bermuda. The camaraderie those people found there was what they found in Bermuda.

"I always considered the restaurant shabbily chic, but for people used to dining in all those upper class restaurants overseas and in Bermuda, they just loved the camaraderie, the atmosphere, and the food.

"I always took them on the last night and it was a wonderful atmosphere because they could take their own brew and unwind. The food might sit a bit on the hip next day, but they could eat, drink and let their hair down.

"The journalists always read the visitors' book and got a charge out of seeing all the politicians and stars and captains of industry who dined there and I know a couple of governors took very distinguished guests there.

"The restaurant held a special place for Bermuda in providing not only rich and satisfying foods, but also that St. David's Island charm and warmth."

Graham Lamb said last night: "Everyone here is pretty saddened by it. My daddy ran it for 36 years and I'll be carrying on. Damn right!

"People came here because they wanted a little change and for the recipes. My daddy would describe it as being in St. David's, near Bermuda."