This Thursday, December 15, the wife of celebrity chef Paul Kitching announced his sudden death at the age of 61.
The world of gastronomy has lost one of its own. It is this Thursday 15th December the death of star chef Paul Kitching was announced by his wife Katie O’Brien in a statement posted on social media from his restaurant in Edinburgh 21212.
His wife and partner published some heartbreaking words to announce the terrible news to the whole world, intimate words, at the height of their complicity: “I’m sorry to tell you the love of my life is gone“, she wrote with emotion. However, not too much additional information was given. In fact, the reason behind chef Paul Kitching’s brutal death has yet to be revealed by his wife.
Katie O’Brien “Paul was an inspiration to all”
She nevertheless insisted on elaborating on the situation in an email sent to the restaurant team: “Dear friends, it is with a heavy heart that I am writing to tell you that I have lost my love who sadly passed away yesterday. His death was a complete shock to us in 21212 and we are trying to come to terms with the passing of a legend in our industry. Paul was an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of meeting him or working with him, and we are all heartbroken.”she wrote, collapsing.
Following this shocking announcement, tributes from the culinary world poured in: “This is terrible news, I’m so sorry. He was so kind to me when I needed an arm around me more than ever.”, tweeted Gary Usher, the owner of the restaurant group Elite Bistros. Chef Shane Osborn said: “Such tragic news to hear of the sudden death of the genius Paul Kitching. He was incredibly kind, generous and extremely talented.”. Other tributes were also paid by those who had the honor of tasting his cuisine: “The meal he cooked for me at Juniper about 20 years ago was one of the best dining experiences of my life. His cooking and hospitality made people beam with joy” or “Paul you will be missed by so many, thanks for all the great memories. My thoughts and deepest condolences to Katie, her family and the team at 21212’s.” Thoughts for loved ones.
The Incredible Journey of Paul Kitching
The star chef was Raised at Gateshead and began his career in a Latin American restaurant in Newcastle, working as a humble pot washer. He later discovered his true passion for cooking when you move to York. In 1997 he received a Michelin star for his restaurant Juniper in Manchester, which he stored for 11 years.
It was in 2008 that the chef created 21212 in Edinburgh with his wife and partner Katie. It was subsequently awarded a Michelin star and the restaurant has also received numerous awards, including Best New Restaurant in the UK, four AA rosettes and was named Restaurant of the Year by Catering in Scotland. The Michelin guide has also described the star chef as a “true maverick”.
