An Australian chef who is often referred to as the “King of Breakfast” died on Christmas at the age of 54 in a London hospital.
The death of Bill Granger, a self-taught cook known for dishes such as avocado toast and ricotta pancake with honeycomb butter, was announced in a post on Instagram by his family.
“It is with great sadness that the family of Bill Granger announce he has passed away on 25th December at the age of 54,” his family wrote. “A dedicated husband and father, Bill died peacefully in hospital with his wife Natalie Elliott and three daughters, Edie, Ines and Bunny, at his bedside in their adopted home of London.”
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A cause of death was not released.
Granger began his cooking career in 1993 after leaving art school to open his first restaurant, Bills, in Sydney, Australia, at the age of 23, according to BBC News.
The restaurant became known for dishes such as avocado toast and ricotta pancakes with honeycomb butter.
Following the success of Bills, Granger opened cafes throughout the United Kingdom, Japan, and Korea through a chain called Granger and Co.
Over the course of Granger’s career, he not only opened multiple restaurants, he published 14 cookbooks and started five television shows. In January 2023, Granger was awarded the Medal of Order of Australia.
“He will be remembered as the ‘King of Breakfast’, for making unpretentious food into something special filled with sunshine and for spurring the growth of Australian informal and communal eating around the world,” Granger’s family added in the post. “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.”
Actors Hugh Jackman and Gwyneth Paltrow were among the people who expressed sorrow at the loss of Granger.
“Oh my goodness, this is so heartbreaking!” Paltrow wrote. “Love to you all.”
Jackman issued a joint statement with his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, from whom he is separated.
“We are devastated to hear the news of Bill’s passing,” Jackman and Furness wrote. “His talent, his joie de vivre, the way he brought people together, and his commitment to family were inspiring.”