Tim Bacon | |
|---|---|
| Born | Timothy Alan Bacon 24 March 1964 Romford, Essex, England |
| Died | 30 April 2016 (aged 52) |
| Nationality | British |
| Other names | Alan |
| Occupation | Restaurateur |
Timothy Alan Bacon (24 March 1964 – 30 April 2016)[1] was a British restaurateur and actor, most known for creating the Living Ventures group of restaurants.
Bacon grew up in Tasmania, Australia.[1] His acting career comprised starring in 25 episodes of Australian soap opera Sons and Daughters; Bacon played Chris Bainbridge, the son of a Vietnam veteran.[1][2] In 1987, Bacon moved to London, where he worked in TGI Fridays in Covent Garden.[1][2] He then decided to become a professional bartender, forming his own company, Bar Biz.[1] In 1989, Bacon appeared on Richard & Judy and Wogan; the latter appearance helped him get a job in Manchester, and in 1991, he met his long term business partner Jeremy Roberts and helped open the Chalon Court Hotel in Lancashire.[1][3][4] In 1993, Bacon and his friend David Hinds bought the JW Johnsons bar in Manchester, a popular bar restaurant and club;[4] this led to the later development of Via Vita, a Mediterranean-style bar-restaurant, developed with Roberts and Hinds which was sold in 1998.[1][3]
In 1999, Bacon set up the Living Room with Jeremy Roberts and developed the business to 13 restaurants; there were 34 restaurants in the group when Bacon and Roberts sold the Living Room to trade in 2007.[2][1][3] In 2005, the Est Est Est restaurant business was acquired, which in 2016 had 15 restaurants,[3] Between 2010 and 2012 the business grew adding the Oast House (which grew into the New World Trading Company), the Alchemist, Australasia and Artisan - all developed in Manchester City Centre. In 2013, the Manchester House restaurant was opened, with the aim of it becoming the first Michelin star restaurant in Manchester.[4] In 2015, the Group led by Bacon had a turnover in excess of £100 million, and was awarded the Manchester Evening News Business of the Year award.[2]
Bacon was married three times, and had three children.[3]
In 1999/2000, Bacon was diagnosed with lymphoma, and in 2014, he was diagnosed with advanced melanoma. He died on 30 April 2016.[1][3][5] A memorial service was held for Bacon on 16 May, and there were discussions of creating a permanent memorial for him in Manchester city centre.[6][7][8] Bacon's 12-year-old nephew Jett died of Ewing's sarcoma five days after.[9][10]