Australian chef, restaurateur, and food writer Bill Granger died at 54 in London, England, on December 25, 2023.
Granger, known for his significant contributions to the culinary world, died after a struggle with cancer, bringing his distinguished career of over 30 years to a close.
Born on August 29, 1969, in Melbourne, Australia, Granger was a self-taught chef who rose to prominence in the early 1990s.
He left art school at 21 and relocated to Sydney, where he opened his first restaurant, Bills, in the Darlinghurst suburb in 1993. The establishment quickly gained a reputation for its excellent breakfast options, especially its creamy scrambled eggs.
Granger is often credited for creating the iconic avocado toast, a straightforward but popular dish that embodies his cooking style: fresh, accessible, and straightforward. His philosophy also influenced his approach to dining, promoting casual and communal eating experiences.
Together with his wife, Natalie Elliott, Granger expanded his business on a global scale, successfully opening 19 restaurants across major cities, including London and Seoul.
His international success was matched by his prolific work as an author and television personality. He wrote 14 cookbooks and hosted five cooking shows, spreading his love for Australian cuisine to a global audience.
In 2023, Granger received the Medal of the Order of Australia, honoring his contributions to the culinary arts and his efforts in popularizing Australian cuisine. This prominent award underscored his role as a culinary ambassador and his impact in putting Australian food on the world stage.
Figures in the food industry, such as Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson, have expressed their sorrow at Granger’s passing, highlighting his talent, warmth, and the joy he brought to the world through his cooking.
Actors Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness also mourned Granger’s death, recognizing his inspiring dedication to family and his talent for uniting people through his food.
Granger’s influence and culinary innovations, especially in popularizing Australian cuisine, will continue to be celebrated and appreciated.
He is survived by his wife Natalie and their daughters Edie, Inès, and Bunny.
