Michelin starred chef Paul Kitching dies aged 61, prompting tributes from restaurant world

Michelin-starred chef Paul Kitching has died aged 61, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the restaurant world.

Announcing the news on social media channels, his partner Katie O’Brian, with whom he ran top Edinburgh restaurant 21212, wrote: “I’m sorry to say the love of my life has gone”.

In a moving post on Twitter, she added: “My love has gone. But what a love”.

The couple formerly ran acclaimed restaurant Juniper in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, which won four AA rosettes and a Michelin star.

They moved to Edinburgh in 2009, when they opened 21212 - a restaurant with rooms that went on to hold a Michelin star for a decade unil 2019.

Over the years it has also earned four AA rosettes and has been named Catering in Scotland’s Restaurant of the Year.

Paul was also awarded the Prince Philip medal for services to the catering industry.

News of his death has been met with an outpouring of sadness from the restaurant world, and those who experienced his culinary creations.

Australian chef Shane Osborn, who runs Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurant Arcane, paid tribute to him as a “genius”.

“He was incredibly kind, generous and extremely talented,” he wrote on Instagram.

“The meal he cooked for me at Juniper some 20 years ago was one of best dining experiences of my life. His cooking and hospitality made people shine with joy.

“Paul you will be missed by so many, thanks for all the great memories.”

Michelin-starred chef Graham Campbell wrote “So sorry for your loss a true legend”, while Tom Kerridge also expressed his sadness.

Others remembered him as “a wonderfully kind-hearted, passionate chef” and “a true pioneer”.