27 Dec 2023

Restaurateur and TV chef Bill Granger has died in hospital in London

10:24 am on 27 December 2023
Australian chef Bill Granger arrives at Buckingham Palace in London on 13 October, 2011, to attend a royal reception with Queen Elizabeth II for members of the Australian community living in the United Kingdom.

Australian chef Bill Granger arrives at Buckingham Palace in London on 13 October, 2011, to attend a royal reception with Queen Elizabeth II. Photo: AFP / Pool / Chris Radburn

Renowned Australian chef and food writer Bill Granger has died at the age of 54, his family has revealed.

The Melbourne-born food identity died in hospital in London on Christmas Day.

"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," his family said in a statement.

"He will be deeply missed by all, with his loss most profoundly felt by his adored family, who are grateful for all the love and support that has been given."

Granger was a self-taught cook who operated restaurants across the world, including in Australia, Japan, South Korea and the UK, where his family was based for a number of years.

He published 14 cookbooks, selling more than one million copies, and made five television cooking shows.

He was recognised in January 2023 with a Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his contribution to tourism and hospitality.

TV chefs Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson were among those to offer their condolences on social media.

Oliver described the news as "devastating" and described Granger as "a wonderful human, kind calm soul".

Lawson said she was "heartbroken" by the news.

- This story was first published by the ABC.