The BBC star, chef and award-winning restaurant owner has died after a short health battle.
Russell Norman sadly passed away on Thursday at the age of 57 in hospital surrounded by family and friends.
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Russell Norman sadly passed away on Thursday aged 57 Credit: PA
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Russell presented The Restaurant Man on BBC2Credit: Brochure
A close friend said Russell’s wife Jules and three children were at his bedside at the time.
The tragedy comes just weeks after his fourth cookbook was published.
Russell was famous for presenting the six-part BBC2 documentary The Restaurant Man.
In the 2014 series, Russell used his extensive knowledge to help others make their restaurants successful.
A year later he appeared on the hit show Saturday Kitchen to cook up a storm.
Business partner Richard Beatty, who founded restaurants Spuntino and Polpo with Russell, has since paid tribute to his “best friend”.
He said: “It is with the greatest sadness that I announce the loss of my best friend Russell Norman.
“After a short struggle in the hospital, he died surrounded by family and friends.
“Russell is survived by his wife and three children, please respect the privacy of his family, friends and colleagues at this time.”
Restaurant critic Jay Rayner paid tribute, adding: “So sorry to hear of the death, too young, of Russell Norman.
“He was one of the most gifted caterers, a great writer and it was a lot of fun.
“He lived life his way. My thoughts are with his family and friends.”
It is not yet known how the talented chef died.
In 2021, Russell founded the restaurant Trattoria BRUTTO and soon had a long waiting list of guests who wanted to dine there.
It is understood that it will now be run by his wife Jules and son Ollie.
Russell first made headlines in 2012 when he won an award for his first cookbook.
POLPO: The Venetian Cookbook (of sorts) Waterstones book of the year.
In 2016, his second cookbook won the Food Writers Guild Award for Best Food and Travel Book.
Russell has previously described his third project – VENICE: The Four Seasons of Home Cooking – as an exile.
He said: “I exiled myself to the most beautiful city in the world for over a year to learn how to cook like a 90-year-old Venetian grandmother.”
His last book to hit the shelves before he left was BRUTTO: A Simple Florentine Cookbook.
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Russell Norman with his wife Jules McNally Norman
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It is not yet known how the talented chef diedCredit: Credit: WENN Ltd / Alamy Stock Photo
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