Hundreds to gather for funeral of Bristol chef
The owner of John's Cafe on Midland Road, Old Market, died suddenly last Wednesday after suffering a heart attack while cycling along the Strawberry Line in North Somerset.
Hundreds of people are expected to pack into Canford Crematorium for his funeral on Friday.
Born in London, John, left school at 14 and went to work for De Beers in Zambia and Bermuda, working his way up from office boy to company secretary before leaving for a change of career and a move to Bristol in the late 1970s.
He opened his first cafe – The Victoria Cafe – in Victoria Street in 1979, before moving his business to Midland Road in 1985, initially as a candlelit bistro serving French food during the week and Sunday lunches.
After visiting a pub serving Thai food in London with his daughter Suzanne, John bought himself a few Thai cookbooks and changed direction.
From then on he served his own customised version of Thai dishes during the week but continued with his legendary Sunday roasts.
A devoted family man, John ran the restaurant with his wife Janice, and was often helped out in front of house by his daughter Suzanne.
The family are keen that his funeral on Friday will be a celebration of John's life.
Janice, son Martin, and Suzanne said that everyone is welcome to attend the service at 2.30pm.
People are asked to arrive at the Canford Lane crematorium for 2.15pm. After the funeral there will be a wake at The Beehive pub in Henleaze.
Guests are asked not to send flowers but donations can be made via R Davies and Sons, 381 Gloucester Road.
You can pay your tribute to John at Lasting Tribute.
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