Globally renowned Australian chef Bill Granger, has passed away in London at the age of 54.
Bill’s family took to Instagram, confirming the news in a statement that read, “It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Granger announce he has passed away on December 25 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 post continued to describe him as “The King of Breakfast”, commending him for “spurring the growth of Australian informal and communal eating” worldwide.
Many celebrity chefs took to Instagram after the devastating news was announced to pay tribute to Bill.
Amongst those to openly send their condolences were fellow celebrity chefs Melissa Leong and Jamie Oliver.
Jamie took to Instagram, remembering Bill as “a wonderful man, warm, charming, and had an extraordinary ease and style in cooking that could only come from Australia.”
He continued to share his first memory of visiting Bills in Darlinghurst, Australia. He described the first restaurant of its franchise as “years ahead of its time”
Melissa Leong encapsulated the chef’s quintessentially Australian vibe in the kitchen. Sharing an Instagram portrait of Bill, she wrote, “We have lost a true icon and legend of our industry in Bill’s passing.”
Nigella Lawson expressed her sadness in the comment section of the Instagram announcement. She wrote, “I’m heartbroken to hear this. So cruel. Deepest love to N, E, I and B 🖤”
Others followed her lead, including Matt Preston. The Australian chef and TV personality commented, “So sorry to hear this news. Bill was a genuinely lovely bloke and an inspiration. Together he (with Natalie by his side) helped shape the image of modern Australian food around the world. My thoughts are with his family, friends and all those he worked with at this sad time.”
Bill opened the doors to his first restaurant, the aforementioned Bills, in Darlinghurst at the age of 22. In 2008, he took his Aussie charm and knack for delicious, fresh food to the global stage.
In January 2023, Bill was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his lifelong contribution to hospitality and tourism.