Russell Norman, restaurateur behind Brutto and Polpo, has died

Profound shock was the abiding feeling today right across London's restaurant scene with the news that restaurateur Russell Norman has died. The news was announced by Restaurant Magazine who had been contacted by Russell's long-time business partner Richard Beatty, who said in a statement:

"It is with the greatest sadness that I announce the loss of my best friend Russell Norman. After a short battle in hospital, he died surrounded by family and friends."

Just weeks ago, Russell was regaling guests at a party to celebrate the publication of his new book Brutto: A Simple Florentine Cookbook.

When Russell first opened Polpo in London in 2009 it marked a seachange in how London restaurant did business. His small plates, no-bookings approach was genuinely groundbreaking and has influenced many of today's restaurants. Back then he told us that during breaks from his day job at Caprice Holdings he roamed the streets of London looking for places to eat with character, that weren't too stuffy. "That was my starting point – there is a gap, I’m looking for somewhere to eat and socialise that doesn’t exist in London, so perhaps I need to be the one that creates it."

It's fair to say Russell had a huge impact on the London restaurant world and his most recent opening, Brutto, has been a huge hit, booked out for weeks ahead. 

The food world was quick to react: 

"He was one of the most gifted of restaurateurs, a terrific writer and an awful lot of fun to be around. He very much lived life his own way. My thoughts are with his family and friends." Jay Rayner

"The London restaurant scene lost one of its most loved and successful restaurateurs. Russell was an inspiration to all of us and made dining out cool. He was a great person to be around and was always optimistic and full of life. Our love goes to his family and his team at Brutto a magnificent restaurant rest in peace and god bless." Jason Atherton

"Like the low-hanging filament light bulb lamps for which he started a trend in restaurants across the country, he shone brightly. His light will be missed greatly." Stefan Chomka - Restaurant Magazine

"Russell, the world feels emptier without you in it. Gutted I’ll never read your memoir as a southern drama teacher marooned up north. Or another of the wonderful articles you wrote for Noble Rot magazine. I’ll remember you as a kind, funny, charming, intelligent man as in love with your metier as you were with the dish in this picture. Sending love to your family from all your friends at Noble Rot." Dan Keeling - Noble Rot.

"Russell Norman was one of the most creative and influential U.K. restaurateurs London has known: He could see the big picture and the tiniest detail at the same time." Richard Vines - City AM

Hot Dinners extends our condolences to Russell's family.

Photo of Russell Norman by @RichardVines

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