Living Ventures co-founder Tim Bacon dies

Tim Bacon, chairman and co-founder of UK bar and restaurant group Living Ventures, died on Friday aged 52 following a battle with cancer.

Jeremy Roberts and Tim Bacon (right) at MEN Business Awards 2015

Bacon, who set up the now 34 venue-strong group with CEO Jeremy Roberts in 1999, had been diagnosed with advanced melanoma in 2014.

He joined the hospitality trade in the UK at TGI Fridays, following an early career as an Australian TV actor. It was while working at the chain that he aspired to open his own bar.

With Living Ventures, Bacon went on to found some of Northern England’s most popular food and drink brands including The Botanist, Living Room, Gusto, The Alchemist and Blackhouse Grills.

The business turned over more than £100 million in 2015 and has won both Bacon and Roberts won numerous awards, including the MEN Business of the Year 2015.

Roberts said in a statement in the Manchester Evening News: “It is with incredible sadness that I have to announce the sad passing of Living Ventures chairman, Tim Bacon, who died suddenly but peacefully in his sleep, on Friday night following a long illness.

“Tim has had many enduring friendships with people in his private and professional life because of his vibrant, honourable and generous spirit. He gave his all to everything he did, especially to his family and his friends who were incredibly important to him.

“I will greatly miss him as we all will and I’ve lost a true friend.”

Figures from the bar and restaurant industry have paid tribute to Bacon on social media.

Celebrity chef James Martin tweeted: “Such sad news about the passing of Tim Bacon. True pioneer of the Manchester food and drink scene. My thoughts are with his family & friends”

Northern Restaurant & Bar trade exhibition founder Thom Hetherington also tweeted: “Devastated for all who knew Tim Bacon. As if you knew him you loved him. Brilliant; generous; and no one’s done more for Northern hospitality.”

Matthew Coulston, Violet Hospitality sales director, said: “Sad to hear of Tim Bacon passing. He made a huge impact within hospitality and what a legacy he has left behind in LV and all the rest.”