Acclaimed Australian chef, restaurateur, and food writer, Bill Granger passed away in London, England, at the age of 54 on Christmas Day in 2023.
Granger’s death came after a prolonged fight with cancer. His passing marks the conclusion of an illustrious career in the culinary arts, spanning over 30 years.
The Melbourne, Australia-born chef began his career as a self-taught chef, drawing significant attention in the early 1990s. After leaving art school at age 21, Granger relocated to Sydney and opened his first restaurant, Bills, in the Darlinghurst suburb in 1993. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its superior breakfast offerings, notably its creamy scrambled eggs.
Granger is widely recognized for creating the ever-popular avocado toast, a dish that encapsulates his culinary philosophy of fresh, accessible, and down-to-earth cooking. This philosophy also influenced his approach to dining, promoting casual and shared dining experiences.
Granger and his wife, Natalie Elliott, successfully expanded their restaurant business across the globe, opening 19 restaurants in major cities including London and Seoul.
Parallel to his global business success, Granger was also a prolific author and television personality. He penned 14 cookbooks and starred in five TV cooking shows, spreading his enthusiasm for Australian cuisine to audiences worldwide.
In 2023, the Order of Australia honored Granger with a medal in recognition of his significant contributions to the culinary arts and his pivotal role in promoting Australian cuisine internationally.
Renowned chefs and contemporaries, including Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson, expressed their deep sorrow at Granger’s passing, recalling his talent, warmth, and the joy his cooking brought to others.
Actors Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness paid tribute to Granger, recognizing his dedication to family and his ability to unite people through his culinary artistry.
Granger’s influence and innovations in the culinary field will continue to be celebrated, particularly his role in popularizing Australian cuisine.
Granger is survived by his wife, Natalie, and their three daughters, Edie, Inès, and Bunny.
