London's restaurant scene suffered another blow yesterday with the news of the untimely death of food writer and restaurateur Bill Granger. A statement released by the family said: "It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Granger announce he has passed away on 25th December at the age of 54. A dedicated husband and father, Bill died peacefully in hospital with his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters, Edie, Inès and Bunny, at his bedside in their adopted home of London."
The Australian-born cook had made a name for himself with the opening of his first restaurant, bills, in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst. The restaurant's legendary breakfasts and communal dining ethos were an instant hit, marking it out as somewhere different to go.
In 2009 he moved to London with his family where two years later he opened his first UK restaurant, Granger & Co, in Westbourne Road. That opening was followed by four more UK restaurants. The group also own restaurants in Japan and Seoul.
Three dishes in particular are what Granger will be remembered for - the rise of avocado toast, his amazing scrambled eggs and, of course, those legendary ricotta pancakes with banana and honey.
Tributes poured in for the hugely popular restaurateur following the announcement.
"Heartbroken to hear that @bill.granger has died. He was the loveliest man, and the joy he gave us – whether through his food, his books, the spaces he made for us, or in person – came from the kindness and generosity and sheer, shining exuberance of his very self." Nigella Lawson
"Gone too soon, but what a dazzling life." Dan Lepard
"We are devastated to hear the news of Bill's passing. His talent, his joie de vivre, the way he brought people together and his commitment to family were inspiring. We will miss his friendship most of all." Hugh and Deb Jackman.
"I loved @bill.granger so much, he was such a wonderful man, warm, charming, and had an extraordinary ease and style in cooking that could only come from Australia. Many moons ago I remember going to his first Sydney restaurant in Darlinghurst it was so cool, so relaxed, great food and coffee and years ahead of its time." Jamie Oliver
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