Tributes are being paid on social media today for the hugely popular licensee, who built an international reputation for the bar’s single malt Scotch whisky and cask ale range.

The Bon Accord, which has more than 500 whiskies on its gantry and sells more than 800 varieties of real ale per year, won a glittering array of awards during Mr McDonagh’s tenure, including numerous prizes from CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and the title of UK Whisky Bar of the Year.