When you hear the name Simon Rimmer, you instantly think of warm smiles, easy charm, and mouth-watering dishes on television. Known for his creative vegetarian cuisine and witty on-screen banter, Simon Rimmer has become a household name in British food television, admired for blending cooking talent with genuine personality.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Simon Peter Rimmer |
| Date of Birth | March 5, 1963 |
| Birthplace | Wallasey, Merseyside, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Chef, Restaurateur, Television Presenter, Author |
| Famous For | Co-hosting Sunday Brunch and innovative vegetarian cuisine |
| Marital Status | Married to Ali Rimmer |
| Children | Two – Florence and Hamish |
| Restaurants Owned | Greens (Manchester), Earle (Hale) |
| Years Active | 1990s – Present |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook |
| Signature Cooking Style | Modern British & Vegetarian fusion |
Early Life and Background
Simon Rimmer was born on March 5, 1963, in Wallasey, Merseyside, a coastal town near Liverpool. Raised in a close-knit family, Simon’s early life was filled with creativity and curiosity. Although he didn’t initially plan to become a chef, his early fascination with flavors and his love for food began in the family kitchen, where simple homemade meals were the center of family life.
Growing up during a time when British cuisine was transforming, Rimmer was inspired by his mother’s cooking and the rise of new food ideas in the UK. These early experiences planted the seeds of what would later become his passion — to make food approachable, exciting, and fun.
Education and Culinary Training
Before stepping into the culinary spotlight, Simon Rimmer pursued a degree in Fashion and Textile Design at Liverpool Polytechnic (now Liverpool John Moores University). This artistic background gave him an eye for color, form, and presentation qualities that later influenced his food plating and creativity in the kitchen.
Interestingly, Rimmer never attended a formal culinary school. He is largely a self-taught chef, learning through experimentation, cookbooks, and his natural instincts. He spent countless hours practicing recipes and refining his palate, which gave him a unique and personal cooking style. His early professional journey included working in hospitality, where he gained hands-on experience managing restaurant operations before opening his own establishment.
Career Beginnings
The turning point came in 1990, when Simon Rimmer opened his first restaurant, Greens, in West Didsbury, Manchester. The vegetarian restaurant started as a humble venture with only a few tables but quickly gained attention for its innovative dishes. Rimmer’s ability to transform vegetarian food into something vibrant and modern won him loyal customers and media praise.
As a self-taught chef, his path wasn’t easy. There were financial challenges, long working hours, and constant learning. However, his dedication paid off. Greens became one of the North West’s most respected restaurants and helped redefine vegetarian dining in Britain.
Rise to Fame
The success of Greens opened new doors. The restaurant’s reputation caught the attention of television producers, and Simon Rimmer was soon invited to appear on BBC’s “Something for the Weekend” alongside Tim Lovejoy. His relaxed demeanor and natural chemistry with Lovejoy made him an instant favorite among viewers.
What started as occasional cooking segments quickly evolved into a full-time presenting role. Audiences loved his approachable explanations, humor, and ability to make recipes look simple and fun. His growing popularity turned him into one of the UK’s most recognizable TV chefs, and Rimmer became a trusted name for home cooks nationwide.
Television Career and Popular Shows
Simon Rimmer’s television career is extensive. After the success of Something for the Weekend, he and Tim Lovejoy transitioned to Channel 4’s “Sunday Brunch” in 2012. The live weekend show combined celebrity interviews, music, and cooking — a formula that perfectly suited Rimmer’s lively personality.
He also appeared on numerous other shows, including Tricks of the Restaurant Trade, Breaking Into Tesco, Meals in Minutes, and Eat the Week with Iceland. Each show highlighted his mission: to make cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
His ability to blend food, humor, and lifestyle content helped Rimmer stand out in a crowded field of celebrity chefs. Viewers admire him not only for his recipes but for his authenticity — he feels like the friendly chef next door who just happens to be on TV.
Simon Rimmer’s Age and Physical Appearance
Born in 1963, Simon Rimmer is now in his early sixties but maintains the energy of someone half his age. He’s recognized for his tall stature, clean-shaven head, and warm smile, which has become part of his signature look. His approachable personality and friendly eyes make him a natural in front of the camera.
Always dressed smartly in casual shirts and jeans, Rimmer embodies the modern British gentleman — confident, creative, and relatable. His visual identity complements his television style: sophisticated yet down-to-earth.
Personal Life and Relationships
Behind the cameras, Simon Rimmer leads a grounded and family-oriented life. He has been married to his wife, Ali Rimmer, for several decades, and together they have two children, Florence and Hamish. Despite his busy schedule, Simon often emphasizes how important family is to him.
He enjoys spending quality time at home, cooking simple meals, and sharing laughs with loved ones. His social media often reflects his family values — a mix of culinary delights, travel snapshots, and heartfelt posts about family moments.
Family and Support System
Family has always been the foundation of Rimmer’s success. His wife has supported him through the ups and downs of television fame and restaurant ownership. He often credits his family’s encouragement for keeping him balanced and motivated.
Beyond his immediate family, Rimmer maintains close ties with his colleagues, especially his co-host Tim Lovejoy, whom he regards as a friend and creative partner. Their teamwork has been a key ingredient in the enduring popularity of Sunday Brunch.
Restaurants and Business Ventures
Simon Rimmer remains deeply involved in the restaurant scene. His first venture, Greens, continues to be a celebrated vegetarian dining spot in Manchester. Later, he opened Earle in Hale, which offered modern British cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Over the years, Rimmer has collaborated with several food brands and events, sharing his culinary expertise through pop-ups, festivals, and guest chef appearances. His cooking philosophy emphasizes sustainability, flavor, and creativity — encouraging people to cook more plant-based dishes without sacrificing taste.
Achievements and Recognition
Throughout his career, Simon Rimmer has received numerous accolades and media recognition. Though not as obsessed with awards as some chefs, his impact is undeniable. He has been praised for promoting vegetarian cuisine and making cooking shows genuinely enjoyable.
His show Sunday Brunch consistently ranks among the UK’s top weekend programs. Critics and audiences alike commend his authenticity, humor, and the refreshing balance he brings to the food entertainment scene.
Books and Publications
As an author, Simon Rimmer has published several popular cookbooks that reflect his down-to-earth approach to food. Some of his best-known titles include The Accidental Vegetarian, Revolution, and Men Love Pies, Girls Like Hummus. Each book combines creativity with simplicity, making it easy for readers to recreate his dishes at home.
His writing style is just like his television persona — engaging, funny, and practical. He uses storytelling to make recipes relatable and achievable, which has helped thousands of fans rediscover the joy of cooking.
Public Image and Personality
In the public eye, Simon Rimmer is admired not just for his food but for his genuine character. Viewers appreciate his warmth, humor, and lack of pretension. He’s open about his mistakes, enjoys a good laugh, and doesn’t take himself too seriously — qualities that make him approachable and loved by fans.
His social media presence further strengthens his connection with audiences. From sharing behind-the-scenes moments on Sunday Brunch to promoting local restaurants and chefs, Rimmer uses his platform to support others and spread positivity.
Recent Projects and Future Plans
Even after decades in the industry, Simon Rimmer shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to co-host Sunday Brunch, explore new culinary collaborations, and work on restaurant innovations.
Recent years have seen him advocate for plant-based eating, mental health awareness, and sustainable food practices. Looking ahead, he plans to expand his restaurant ventures and perhaps release another cookbook that reflects modern British food culture.
His evolving career proves that adaptability and passion can sustain long-term success in the competitive world of television and gastronomy.
Conclusion
From a self-taught chef in Manchester to a beloved television icon, Simon Rimmer’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His story reflects creativity, perseverance, and authenticity. He has redefined vegetarian cuisine, brought cooking into living rooms across the UK, and shown that being genuine is the ultimate recipe for success. Whether he’s on TV, in the kitchen, or writing a new cookbook, Simon Rimmer continues to inspire both aspiring chefs and everyday food lovers — proving that with passion and hard work, anyone can turn their dream into reality.
FAQs
Who is Simon Rimmer?
Simon Rimmer is a British chef, restaurateur, and television presenter best known for co-hosting Sunday Brunch on Channel 4 and his expertise in modern vegetarian cuisine.
Where was Simon Rimmer born?
He was born in Wallasey, Merseyside, England, and grew up near Liverpool, where his passion for food began.
What is Simon Rimmer famous for?
He is famous for his restaurant Greens in Manchester, his vegetarian dishes, and his engaging presence on cooking shows.
Is Simon Rimmer a trained chef?
No, Simon Rimmer is a self-taught chef who learned cooking through experimentation and passion rather than formal training.
What TV shows has Simon Rimmer appeared on?
He has hosted and appeared on several programs, including Sunday Brunch, Something for the Weekend, Eat the Week, and Tricks of the Restaurant Trade.
Is Simon Rimmer married?
Yes, Simon Rimmer is married to Ali Rimmer, and the couple share two children, Florence and Hamish.
What restaurants does Simon Rimmer own?
He owns Greens in Manchester, a popular vegetarian restaurant, and previously operated Earle in Hale.
What kind of food does Simon Rimmer cook?
His cooking focuses on modern British cuisine with a creative vegetarian twist, highlighting fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Has Simon Rimmer written any cookbooks?
Yes, he has authored several cookbooks, including The Accidental Vegetarian and Men Love Pies, Girls Like Hummus.
What is Simon Rimmer doing now?
He continues to co-host Sunday Brunch, manage his restaurant ventures, and promote sustainable and plant-based cooking across the UK.
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