Simon Rimmer is a well-known British chef, restaurateur, author, and television presenter celebrated for his creativity and warm on-screen charm. Over the years, he has become one of the UK’s most recognizable culinary figures, admired for his innovative dishes and charismatic hosting on popular cooking shows.

Quick Bio

Early Life and Background

Born in Wallasey, Merseyside, Simon Rimmer grew up with a deep curiosity for flavors and creativity. His early exposure to home-cooked meals inspired him to explore cooking beyond the ordinary. As a child, he spent hours experimenting in the kitchen, driven by a fascination with how simple ingredients could transform into something extraordinary. His warm personality and adventurous taste buds would later become defining traits of his culinary success.

Education and Culinary Training

Although Simon Rimmer is one of Britain’s most accomplished chefs, his journey didn’t begin with formal culinary education. He initially studied fashion and textile design at university, an unconventional start for someone destined to become a household name in food. However, his artistic background helped him develop an eye for detail and presentation—skills that later influenced his distinctive cooking style. Much of his expertise came from self-teaching, countless hours in the kitchen, and learning from mentors and global cuisines.

Career Beginnings

Simon’s professional culinary path began when he opened his first restaurant, Greens, in Didsbury, Manchester, in 1990. Without any formal chef training, he taught himself everything—from developing recipes to running a kitchen. The restaurant started as a small vegetarian café but quickly earned acclaim for its creative and flavorful vegetarian dishes, redefining meat-free dining in the UK. His ability to turn simple plant-based ingredients into exciting meals won over critics and food lovers alike.

Encouraged by this success, Simon later launched another restaurant, Earle, in Hale, Cheshire, further establishing himself as a skilled and respected restaurateur.

Rise to Fame and TV Appearances

The next big chapter in Simon Rimmer’s career came when television producers noticed his charismatic personality and deep culinary knowledge. His first major TV role was as co-host of the BBC2 show Something for the Weekend alongside Tim Lovejoy. The show’s relaxed format, featuring cooking segments, celebrity interviews, and lifestyle discussions, made it a Sunday-morning favorite across the UK.

After the BBC program ended, the duo transitioned to Channel 4 with Sunday Brunch—a show that remains one of the UK’s most beloved weekend programs. Simon’s friendly demeanor, witty humor, and ability to make cooking approachable have helped him connect with audiences for years. His TV success has made him a household name, admired not only as a chef but also as a presenter with genuine passion for good food.

Simon Rimmer’s Signature Cooking Style

Simon Rimmer’s signature approach blends modern British cuisine with global influences, always emphasizing flavor, color, and creativity. He is especially known for his innovative vegetarian dishes, proving that plant-based food can be both satisfying and gourmet. His cooking philosophy focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, simple preparation, and bold presentation.

Rimmer often says that food should be “fun, inclusive, and full of life,” and that philosophy is evident in his menus and recipes. His cookbooks also reflect this style, offering accessible recipes that home cooks can recreate without intimidation.

Business Ventures and Restaurants

Beyond his television career, Simon Rimmer has built a successful empire in the restaurant world. His flagship vegetarian restaurant, Greens, remains a Manchester institution. Co-founded with business partner Simon Connolly, it became one of the first restaurants to make vegetarian food truly mainstream in the UK.

His second restaurant, Earle, in Hale, showcased a broader range of dishes, mixing modern British and European influences. Although Earle has since closed, Simon’s impact on the regional dining scene remains significant. He has also collaborated on food product lines, cookbooks, and live cooking events, further cementing his influence as both an entrepreneur and culinary innovator.

Age and Physical Appearance

As of 2025, Simon Rimmer is 62 years old, yet he continues to exude energy and enthusiasm that rival chefs half his age. Standing at an average height with a friendly smile and signature clean-cut look, Simon embodies the approachable image that audiences love. His casual yet confident appearance on screen mirrors his personality—down-to-earth, relatable, and full of life. His vibrant demeanor and charming humor have made him one of the most likable faces on British television.

Personal Life and Relationships

Behind the camera, Simon Rimmer leads a grounded personal life. He has been happily married for many years and is a father of two. Despite his busy schedule balancing restaurants, filming, and writing, he prioritizes family time and enjoys simple pleasures like home cooking, travel, and football. Simon often shares glimpses of his personal life on social media, giving fans a peek into his world beyond the kitchen.

His relationships with co-hosts and colleagues also reflect his supportive nature. Viewers often note the warm chemistry between him and Tim Lovejoy on Sunday Brunch, which has become a defining aspect of the show’s success.

Achievements and Awards

Over his decades-long career, Simon Rimmer has earned numerous accolades for his contributions to British cuisine and entertainment. His restaurant Greens has been repeatedly recognized for excellence in vegetarian dining, while his television work has garnered widespread praise.

He has published several best-selling cookbooks, including The Seasoned Vegetarian and Rebel Cook, each showcasing his inventive recipes and easy-going tone. His dual success as a chef and TV personality makes him a rare figure who bridges the gap between professional gastronomy and everyday cooking inspiration.

Simon Rimmer’s Philanthropy and Charitable Work

Beyond his culinary accomplishments, Simon Rimmer is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He actively participates in charity events, food-related fundraising, and campaigns supporting sustainability and healthy eating. Simon has been involved with various organizations promoting better access to nutritious food and encouraging young people to pursue careers in hospitality. His willingness to use his platform for positive change reflects his compassionate personality and strong sense of social responsibility.

Future Plans and Projects

Even after decades of success, Simon Rimmer continues to look forward. He remains deeply involved with Sunday Brunch, constantly finding new ways to make the show fresh and engaging. Simon has hinted at future culinary ventures, including potential new restaurants, cookbooks, and possibly a documentary series exploring food culture around the world. His dedication to promoting modern British cuisine and his enthusiasm for innovation ensure that his influence will continue to grow in the years ahead.

Conclusion

Simon Rimmer is far more than just a TV chef—he’s an artist, innovator, and inspiration to aspiring cooks everywhere. From his humble beginnings in Merseyside to becoming one of Britain’s most loved television personalities, Simon’s story is a testament to creativity, persistence, and passion. His warm personality, inventive cooking, and lasting impact on vegetarian dining have made him an enduring figure in British culinary culture. As he continues to inspire through food and television, Simon Rimmer’s journey reminds us that with imagination and determination, success can be served in every dish.

FAQs

Who is Simon Rimmer?
Simon Rimmer is a British chef, restaurateur, and TV presenter best known for co-hosting Sunday Brunch.

What restaurants does he own?
He co-owns the award-winning vegetarian restaurant Greens in Manchester.

Is Simon Rimmer a trained chef?
No, he is self-taught but has become one of the UK’s most respected chefs.

What are his most famous dishes?
His creative vegetarian dishes like roasted vegetable lasagna and lentil curry are fan favorites.

Where can fans see him on TV?
He appears weekly on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch and other culinary programs.

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