The Bahrain Rugby Football Club community is mourning the loss of renowned restaurateur Manousos ‘Mano’ Babiolakis, who passed away yesterday after a long battle with brain tumour.
He had been receiving treatment in a Bahrain hospital for the past six months.
Mr Babiolakis, aged 65, was widely celebrated for transforming the club’s modest food outlet into one of the most respected social and culinary fixtures in Bahrain’s sporting scene.
When he first joined the club more than two decades ago, its kitchen could accommodate barely 25 patrons.
Through years of dedication, high standards, and a vibrant personal touch, he built the operation into a thriving establishment that became central to the club’s international reputation.
Born in Umtali, Zimbabwe, into a large farming family, Mr Babiolakis developed a lively and charismatic personality early in life – traits that later defined his career across hotels and restaurants in southern Africa.
His humour, warmth, and culinary talent earned him loyal customers wherever he worked.
Members of the club described him as a generous figure who treated everyone like family and supported club activities not only through his services but also financially.
Within hours of his passing, more than 100 messages of condolence poured in from around the world.
Mr Babiolakis is survived by his wife Rena and their children Pavlo, Alexi and Andreas.
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