British Heritage
Remember, Cherish, Learn.
beta
Simon Hopkinson
A Pillar of British Gastronomy.
Simon Charles Hopkinson (born 5 June 1954) is an integral figure in the annals of British culinary arts, a gastronomic maestro whose transformative work has etched an indelible mark on the nation's culinary heritage. His impact resonates beyond the confines of the kitchen, extending to the realms of literature, television, and public discourse about food. As a chef, food writer, and critic, Hopkinson has shaped the British gastronomic landscape, championing the simple pleasures of well-cooked food, and reminding us all of the true meaning of culinary artistry.
Simon Hopkinson was born in 1954 in Greenmount, Bury, to a dentist father and an art teacher mother, who taught at Bury Grammar School. His childhood was steeped in academic and artistic influences, which later came to play a significant role in his culinary and writing careers. As a young boy, he received a chorister's scholarship to St John's College School in Cambridge at the tender age of eight. Later, he transferred to Trent College near Nottingham when he was thirteen, further shaping his worldview and setting the stage for his eventual foray into the culinary world.
Hopkinson’s career trajectory changed dramatically when he stepped into the world of haute cuisine at the age of 17. Under the tutelage of Yves Champeau, Hopkinson began his culinary journey at Le Normandie in Birtle, near Bury, Lancashire. Here, he learned the intricacies of gastronomy, absorbing knowledge and honing his skills.
The years that followed witnessed Hopkinson’s meteoric rise in the culinary world. In 1978, he became the youngest chef ever to receive an Egon Ronay Guide star, a prestigious honour earned through his work at his restaurant, the Shed, in Dinas, Pembrokeshire, West Wales. He then spent two and a half years further refining his palate and developing a discerning eye for quality as an Egon Ronay inspector.
Hopkinson's culinary journey brought him to London, where he worked as a private chef for three years before landing a position at Hilaire, which opened its doors in 1983 on Old Brompton Road. His work there sparked a lasting friendship with the Conrans, which led to the establishment of Bibendum in 1987.
Bibendum breathed new life into the abandoned Michelin House on Fulham Road, which had served as Michelin's UK headquarters from 1911 to 1985. Here, Hopkinson, as the chef and joint proprietor alongside Sir Terence Conran and the late Lord Paul Hamlyn, curated an environment where he could put into practice his philosophy of simple, well-executed cooking. His culinary ethos was informed by influences such as Richard Olney, Jane Grigson, and Elizabeth David, and it resonated strongly with the British public.
In addition to his restaurant work, Hopkinson also began writing a cookery column in The Independent, making his mark in the realm of food criticism. In 1994, his first book, Roast Chicken and Other Stories, co-authored with Lindsey Bareham, was published to critical acclaim. The book was a celebration of Hopkinson’s culinary philosophy and his unique approach to simple, flavourful dishes. It won a Glenfiddich Food and Drink Award and was later named the "Most Useful Cookbook of All Time" by Waitrose Food Illustrated magazine in 2005.
Despite his success at Bibendum, Hopkinson's intense work ethic led to a period of personal turmoil in 1994, resulting in what he referred to as a "mini-breakdown." This led him to step away from his duties at Bibendum early in 1995, and Matthew Harris succeeded him as head chef. Following this, Hopkinson fully embraced his passion for writing about food, shifting his primary focus to cookery writing.
In June 2011, Hopkinson ventured into television, presenting his cooking show, The Good Cook, on the BBC. The show, which aired every Friday after The One Show, consisted of 6 episodes that have been frequently repeated on BBC Two, with some excerpts featured on BBC One's Saturday Kitchen. Hopkinson's presence on the screen was as captivating as his writing, leading to another television show, Simon Hopkinson Cooks, which began airing on Channel 4's digital channel More4 in June 2013.
From the kitchens of Le Normandie and Bibendum to the pages of The Independent and Roast Chicken and Other Stories, Simon Hopkinson's influence on British cuisine is both profound and far-reaching. His legacy lies not only in his mastery of the culinary arts, but also in his ability to eloquently articulate his love for simple, delicious food, inspiring a nation to appreciate the joy and satisfaction found in every bite.
Early Life and Formative Years
Simon Hopkinson was born in 1954 in Greenmount, Bury, to a dentist father and an art teacher mother, who taught at Bury Grammar School. His childhood was steeped in academic and artistic influences, which later came to play a significant role in his culinary and writing careers. As a young boy, he received a chorister's scholarship to St John's College School in Cambridge at the tender age of eight. Later, he transferred to Trent College near Nottingham when he was thirteen, further shaping his worldview and setting the stage for his eventual foray into the culinary world.
Embarking on a Culinary Journey
Hopkinson’s career trajectory changed dramatically when he stepped into the world of haute cuisine at the age of 17. Under the tutelage of Yves Champeau, Hopkinson began his culinary journey at Le Normandie in Birtle, near Bury, Lancashire. Here, he learned the intricacies of gastronomy, absorbing knowledge and honing his skills.
The years that followed witnessed Hopkinson’s meteoric rise in the culinary world. In 1978, he became the youngest chef ever to receive an Egon Ronay Guide star, a prestigious honour earned through his work at his restaurant, the Shed, in Dinas, Pembrokeshire, West Wales. He then spent two and a half years further refining his palate and developing a discerning eye for quality as an Egon Ronay inspector.
Making Waves in London: Hilaire and Bibendum
Hopkinson's culinary journey brought him to London, where he worked as a private chef for three years before landing a position at Hilaire, which opened its doors in 1983 on Old Brompton Road. His work there sparked a lasting friendship with the Conrans, which led to the establishment of Bibendum in 1987.
Bibendum breathed new life into the abandoned Michelin House on Fulham Road, which had served as Michelin's UK headquarters from 1911 to 1985. Here, Hopkinson, as the chef and joint proprietor alongside Sir Terence Conran and the late Lord Paul Hamlyn, curated an environment where he could put into practice his philosophy of simple, well-executed cooking. His culinary ethos was informed by influences such as Richard Olney, Jane Grigson, and Elizabeth David, and it resonated strongly with the British public.
Embracing Writing and Achieving Literary Acclaim
In addition to his restaurant work, Hopkinson also began writing a cookery column in The Independent, making his mark in the realm of food criticism. In 1994, his first book, Roast Chicken and Other Stories, co-authored with Lindsey Bareham, was published to critical acclaim. The book was a celebration of Hopkinson’s culinary philosophy and his unique approach to simple, flavourful dishes. It won a Glenfiddich Food and Drink Award and was later named the "Most Useful Cookbook of All Time" by Waitrose Food Illustrated magazine in 2005.
Despite his success at Bibendum, Hopkinson's intense work ethic led to a period of personal turmoil in 1994, resulting in what he referred to as a "mini-breakdown." This led him to step away from his duties at Bibendum early in 1995, and Matthew Harris succeeded him as head chef. Following this, Hopkinson fully embraced his passion for writing about food, shifting his primary focus to cookery writing.
A New Chapter: Television and Beyond
In June 2011, Hopkinson ventured into television, presenting his cooking show, The Good Cook, on the BBC. The show, which aired every Friday after The One Show, consisted of 6 episodes that have been frequently repeated on BBC Two, with some excerpts featured on BBC One's Saturday Kitchen. Hopkinson's presence on the screen was as captivating as his writing, leading to another television show, Simon Hopkinson Cooks, which began airing on Channel 4's digital channel More4 in June 2013.
From the kitchens of Le Normandie and Bibendum to the pages of The Independent and Roast Chicken and Other Stories, Simon Hopkinson's influence on British cuisine is both profound and far-reaching. His legacy lies not only in his mastery of the culinary arts, but also in his ability to eloquently articulate his love for simple, delicious food, inspiring a nation to appreciate the joy and satisfaction found in every bite.
- Simon Hopkinsonen.wikipedia.org
