Bill Baker – RIP


A huge vacuum has been left by the death last weekend of wine merchant Bill Baker. A man who seemed to take Monsieur Creosote from The Meaning of Life as a role model, he packed more life, not to mention food and wine, into his 53 years than anyone else I’ve ever come across, and despite his larger-than-life, old-school appearance, had a palate that loved the classic yet was as keen and wide ranging as any. I feel privileged to have been one on second-names terms name terms with him – I was always Woods, never Simon – and will sorely miss his garumphing laugh, bizarrely long thumb nail and generously-given advice.

For those who never came across him, Jancis Robsinson’s web site currently has the episode of Vintners Tales featuring the man.


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One thought on “Bill Baker – RIP

  • Anonymous

    Hi, Is it possible I can get a contact number/email for you. I would like to email you to discuss an opportunity for you come on a cookery programme I work, to discuss your blog. please email at marketkitchen@optomen.com