Pioneering Australian chef Skye Gyngell has died at the age of 62. Gyngell rose to fame in the UK after her cafe at Petersham Nurseries in south-west London was awarded a coveted Michelin star, one of the highest culinary honours. She went on to helm Spring restaurant at Somerset House and Marle and Hearth at Heckfield Place in Hampshire.
Gyngell's family reported her passing in London, calling her a culinary visionary who influenced generations of chefs and growers globally to think about food and its connection to the land. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver honored Gyngell, who was diagnosed with skin cancer last year, thanking her for inspiring young cooks.
In the 1980s, Gyngell pioneered the "slow food movement" and worked as a private chef for clients including Nigella Lawson, Madonna, and Guy Ritchie. Lawson expressed her grief, stating: However ill you know someone to be, their death is always a shock. It's just awful that Skye is no longer in the world.
Skye Gyngell's passing comes just days after her mother, Ann Barr, died. Gyngell was born in Sydney and began her culinary journey at Sydney University before moving to Paris to train under acclaimed chefs. In 2004, she became head chef at Petersham Nurseries cafe in Richmond, transforming it into a thriving establishment, earning a Michelin star in 2011. However, she left the cafe within a year of receiving the award due to the pressure of high expectations.
Her later ventures included Spring at Somerset House, the first single-use plastic-free restaurant in London. Gyngell was also known for her award-winning cookbooks and contributions as a food editor for Vogue.
Last year, she was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma and underwent surgery that affected her senses. Gyngell's innovative spirit and contributions to the culinary world will be deeply missed.
Gyngell's family reported her passing in London, calling her a culinary visionary who influenced generations of chefs and growers globally to think about food and its connection to the land. Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver honored Gyngell, who was diagnosed with skin cancer last year, thanking her for inspiring young cooks.
In the 1980s, Gyngell pioneered the "slow food movement" and worked as a private chef for clients including Nigella Lawson, Madonna, and Guy Ritchie. Lawson expressed her grief, stating: However ill you know someone to be, their death is always a shock. It's just awful that Skye is no longer in the world.
Skye Gyngell's passing comes just days after her mother, Ann Barr, died. Gyngell was born in Sydney and began her culinary journey at Sydney University before moving to Paris to train under acclaimed chefs. In 2004, she became head chef at Petersham Nurseries cafe in Richmond, transforming it into a thriving establishment, earning a Michelin star in 2011. However, she left the cafe within a year of receiving the award due to the pressure of high expectations.
Her later ventures included Spring at Somerset House, the first single-use plastic-free restaurant in London. Gyngell was also known for her award-winning cookbooks and contributions as a food editor for Vogue.
Last year, she was diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma and underwent surgery that affected her senses. Gyngell's innovative spirit and contributions to the culinary world will be deeply missed.
