BBC Saturday Kitchen personality and restaurateur Russell Norman passes away at 57 following a brief health struggle
Russell Norman, renowned for his role as a chef on BBC's Saturday Kitchen and The Restaurant Man, has passed away at the age of 57, as confirmed today.
Regrettably, at the age of 57, the beloved TV chef Russell Norman has passed away. Renowned for his Italian-inspired culinary expertise, Norman, a restaurateur, authored numerous cookbooks and established multiple restaurants throughout his illustrious career. His familiar presence on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen endeared him to many.
Tragically, Russell succumbed to a brief illness in hospital on Thursday, November 23. He departed with his wife and three children by his side.
In a heartfelt tribute, Russell’s business partner, Richard, expressed deep sorrow at the loss of his closest companion: “It is with immense sadness that I announce the departure of my dearest friend, Russell Norman.”
Following a brief struggle in the hospital, he passed away with loved ones by his side. “Russell leaves behind his wife and three children. I kindly request that privacy be honoured for his family, friends, and colleagues during this period,” he further expressed.
Russell, in partnership with Richard, was a co-founder of POLPO and SPUNTINO. Together, they conceived the relaxed Italian dining experience of BRUTTO.
BRUTTO, established in 2021, has consistently held a position among London’s finest dining establishments. As per Restaurant Magazine, BRUTTO is set to continue operating, now entrusted to the care of Norman’s son, Ollie, and his wife, Jules.
The chef, originally from Perivale, relocated to Hounslow alongside his younger siblings. Reflecting on his early life in a conversation with Food and Travel magazine in 2021, he reminisced, “Those were my formative years, spent there until I ventured to Sunderland Polytechnic.”
“After three years of study there, I spent a year working as a community arts officer in East Durham, located in the North East. However, it didn’t quite suit me, so I returned to London in search of employment.
In 2012, he clinched an award for his inaugural cookbook. Following that success, two years later, his book titled ‘POLPO: A Venetian Cookbook (of Sorts)’ secured the prestigious Waterstones Book of The Year accolade.
The streak of awards persisted. In 2016, his second cookbook claimed the Guild Food Writers Award for the best food and travel book.”
