05/05/2026
Just waking up to the sad news of the passing of our friend and former manager at Hemingways, John Overton . For many years John along with his partner in crime Samir ran the Hemingways day to day operations, leading the small Hem's family.
Not long ago John was diagnosed with a cancer which rapidly spread and he fought a valiant battle that he sadly lost today.
Over the last few weeks John knew this wasn't a fight he was going to win and that he wanted this over.
You were a huge part of Jack and Amber's early years and they loved their 'Uncle John' so much. You were a key part of the family we had at Hemingways that made it so special that people are still talking about it now and for that we are eternally grateful.
One of John's "things" was his attention to detail, his OCD. Everything had to be perfect and lined up and facing the right way. I'd often send in photos of things I'd see that were just plain wrong! Like man-hole cover put back in the wrong order so their pattern didn't match. It used to drive him mad🤣 On many occasions I used to mess with him during the daily restaurant setup and turn one of the tables 90° so the pattern went the opposite way, then sit back, watch and wait. He would walk through the restaurant doing his final check, clock it, then turn and look at me with that wry smile and mutter the appropriate curse before correcting. It was our thing, many were oblivious and it was something special we shared.
The irony of your passing today hasn't gone unnoticed my friend, as today was his birthday. I can't help but smile knowing he chose today to leave us, keeping all the dates "tidy", it is so John and would've have bugged him forever if it was a day earier or a day later.
RIP my friend, know that you made so many people happy.
