Births on May 5

Simon Rimmer, English chef and author

Simon Peter Rimmer, born on May 5, 1963, is a highly recognizable English celebrity chef whose approachable culinary style and charismatic on-screen presence have made him a household name across the United Kingdom. While he has cultivated a multifaceted career in the culinary world, his enduring and hugely popular partnership with television presenter Tim Lovejoy is arguably what he is most widely celebrated for.

The Enduring On-Screen Partnership with Tim Lovejoy

Rimmer's journey into the national spotlight significantly accelerated through his collaboration with Tim Lovejoy. This dynamic duo first captivated audiences on the BBC Two programme Something for the Weekend, which aired from 2006 to 2012. Their chemistry, blending Rimmer's culinary expertise with Lovejoy's affable presenting style, created a relaxed and engaging viewing experience that resonated with viewers. The show's format typically involved cooking segments, celebrity interviews, and lifestyle features, all presented with a casual, weekend-morning charm.

Following the success of Something for the Weekend, Rimmer and Lovejoy seamlessly transitioned their popular format to Channel 4, launching Sunday Brunch in 2012. This programme built upon their established rapport, expanding its scope while retaining the core elements that viewers loved. Sunday Brunch has since become a staple of Sunday morning television, offering a blend of cooking demonstrations, lively discussions with celebrity guests, music, and current affairs. Rimmer's role is central, showcasing an array of dishes, offering practical cooking tips, and often engaging in humorous banter with Lovejoy, solidifying their status as one of British television's most enduring and beloved presenting duos.

Beyond the Broadcast Kitchen: A Diverse Culinary Career

While his television work has brought him widespread fame, Simon Rimmer's credentials as a chef are deeply rooted in his extensive restaurant experience. He is particularly known for his trailblazing efforts in vegetarian cuisine, having opened his first restaurant, Greens, in Didsbury, Manchester, back in 1990. Greens quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and delicious vegetarian dishes, demonstrating that meat-free dining could be both sophisticated and satisfying long before plant-based diets became mainstream. This venture showcased his passion for food and his ability to create successful culinary businesses.

Over the years, Rimmer has expanded his restaurant portfolio and continues to be involved in various food-related projects. He is also a prolific cookbook author, sharing his recipes and culinary philosophy with home cooks. His books often emphasize accessible, flavourful cooking, mirroring the practical and encouraging approach he demonstrates on television. Furthermore, Rimmer has appeared on numerous other television shows, both as a guest chef and as a contributor to food-related documentaries, further cementing his status as a respected figure in the UK's culinary landscape. His contributions extend beyond simply cooking, often involving him in discussions about food trends, sustainability, and healthy eating, providing a broader context to his celebrity chef persona.

FAQs About Simon Rimmer

What is Simon Rimmer best known for?

Simon Rimmer is primarily known for his role as a celebrity chef on British television, most notably for his long-standing on-screen partnership with Tim Lovejoy. They co-host the popular Channel 4 show Sunday Brunch, and previously hosted Something for the Weekend on BBC Two.

When was Simon Rimmer born?

Simon Rimmer was born on May 5, 1963.

What television shows has Simon Rimmer presented?

He is most famous for co-presenting Sunday Brunch on Channel 4 and previously Something for the Weekend on BBC Two. He has also made appearances on many other food-related programmes.

Does Simon Rimmer own any restaurants?

Yes, Simon Rimmer is a restaurateur. He famously opened Greens, a vegetarian restaurant in Didsbury, Manchester, in 1990, demonstrating his early commitment to and passion for vegetarian cuisine.

Is Simon Rimmer only a TV chef, or does he have professional culinary training?

While widely known for his television work, Simon Rimmer is also a professionally accomplished chef and restaurateur. He developed his culinary skills and opened his first restaurant, Greens, demonstrating a practical and hands-on approach to his craft, rather than solely being a television personality.