Paul Kitching, the chef-patron behind the highly-acclaimed restaurant 21212 in Edinburgh, has died unexpectedly at the age of 61.
The news was announced by Paul’s wife Kate O’Brian on social media on Thursday 15 December, who described his death as a ‘total shock’. In an email sent out to the restaurant’s mailing list, O’Brian wrote:
'Dear friends, It is with heavy heart that I write to let you know that I've lost my love – Paul – who sadly passed away yesterday.
'The death has come as a total shock to us at 21212 and we are trying to come to terms with the passing of a legend within our industry. Paul was an inspirational figure to everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him or working with him and we are all devastated.'
She also posted on the restaurant’s Twitter feed with the words: ‘My love had gone. But what a love’.
Paul was considered a true inspiration in the industry and won numerous accolades during his career. Born in 1963, he began his career working as a pot washer at a Latin American restaurant in Newcastle, before moving on to work in Michelin kitchens including Gidleigh Park and Restaurant 74. Paul opened his first restaurant Juniper in 1997 in Greater Manchester, where he held onto a Michelin star for 11 years. 21212, which he opened in 2009 in Edinburgh, also went on to receive a star, as well as numerous other awards including four AA Rosettes.
Tributes to the chef have come flooding in over the last 24 hours.
The Michelin Guide posted a tweet in his honour: ‘Paul Kitching was kind, clever, hugely talented and infectiously enthusiastic. He was also a true maverick and his passion and creativity were evident in every dish he created. Our heartfelt sympathies go to Katie and all his family.’
While Gary Jones, former executive chef of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, commented: 'Paul was such great fun and his unique cooking and imagination had no boundaries... our trip to France will never be forgotten, RIP, my friend.'
Former MasterChef finalist and owner of the Pompadour restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Dean Banks wrote on Instagram:
‘A true inspiration to thousands of chefs who passed through his doors and to many more. Paul taught me there are no rules in cooking.
'Paul was my last Head chef before I went out on my own and was truly part of creating me and my style.
'My condolences to all who loved him and to all who look up to him as one of the greats. He will be missed dearly.’
In other news, Luke Selby has been announced as the new executive chef of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.