Bill Granger, the celebrity chef who revolutionised Australia’s brunch scene, has passed away at the age of 54.
Granger, whose internationally renowned breakfast fare defined the cafe dining scene, passed away on Christmas Day.
The news was announced by his family via Instagram, sharing that Granger died in hospital in London, surrounded by his wife and three daughters.
“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 caption read.
The post went on to remember Bill’s phenomenal contributions to food.
“Born in Melbourne, Australia, Bill was a self-taught cook who became a celebrated global restaurateur and food writer with a career spanning over 30 years. In 1999, he and his wife Natalie began a professional partnership that launched the business globally. Together they built a successful business that today has 19 restaurants across Sydney, London, Greater Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and Seoul. Bill authored 14 cookbooks, made 5 TV series and most recently was honoured with the Medal of the Order of Australia in January 2023,” it read.
“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. 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 behind the Australian cafe and restaurant chain Bills, known in the UK as Granger & Co. The cafe was among the first to elevate the classic Australian breakfast to its present-day reputation. Among its famous dishes are the scrambled eggs and ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter.
Celebrity Tributes To Bill Granger
Celebrity tributes are pouring in for Granger, who was well-respected by his industry peers and fellow celebrity chefs worldwide.
Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson commented on the Instagram post announcing his passing.
“This is devastating news,” Oliver began. “I’m so sad to hear this, what a guy he was …. a wonderful human, kind calm soul…. I admired everything he represented in food I remember the first time I met him many moons ago he couldn’t have been nicer and his food so good …. Sending so much love to all his family 🙏🏼 rest in peace, Bill, he will be sorely missed jox x x”
He later shared a post remembering Granger’s relaxed Australian charm which carried through his venues.
“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 he was there in full effect so welcoming and just so Nice 🙏🏼 bless you Bill love and respect brother !”
Meanwhile, Nigella Lawson wrote on Instagram that she was “heartbroken”.
“I find it impossible to find the right words, but then, there are no right words when what’s happened is so wrong. 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. So devastated for his family. It’s too cruel. May his memory be a blessing.”
Australian stars Hugh Jackman and Deborra Lee Furness shared a joint statement via their Instagram stories, writing, “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.”
MasterChef Australia judge Melissa Leong took to Instagram with her own touching tribute of the chef.
“Few have, or will ever, convey the beauty and ease of Australian cooking to the world with such effortless charm,” she captioned a photo of Granger.
:We have lost a true icon and legend of our industry in Bill’s passing. My thoughts are with those who knew and loved him best.”
Australian journalist Deborah Hutton also remembered the ‘Breakfast King’. “OMG …this is such terrible news. Heartbreaking 💔 What a sweetheart was…creating the first communal table at Darlo and perfecting humble scrambled eggs 🥚 My love and condolences to Nat and the kids…unbearable for them 😢 🖤🖤🖤”
Saltburn star, Richard E. Grant simply commented with a string of broken heart emojis.
