William Granger OAM, born on 29 August 1969 and passing away on 25 December 2023, was an Australian self-taught cook, restaurateur, and food writer with a significant presence in both his homeland and London, as well as internationally.
Among his notable literary contributions is “Bill’s Sydney Food” (Murdoch Books, 2000), which delves into the culinary offerings of his restaurants. This initial publication was succeeded by a series of well-received works, including “Bill’s Food” (2002), “Bill’s Open Kitchen” (2003), “Simply Bill” (2005), “Bill Granger Every Day” (2006), “Holiday” (2009), “Bill’s Basic’s” (2010), “Bill’s Everyday Asian” (2011), “Bill Granger Easy” (2012), “Bill’s Italian Food” (2014), and “Australian Food” (2020).
Beyond the culinary details provided earlier, many are eager for information about the circumstances surrounding Bill Granger’s Death. Granger’s family made the somber announcement that he passed away on Christmas Day in a London hospital. The prevailing belief is that Granger succumbed to cancer, a diagnosis he had received several months prior. In the subsequent sections of this article, we will delve into the details of this announcement while also continuing to explore the remarkable journey of Bill Granger.
Know About Bill Granger’s Death
Renowned Australian chef, restaurateur, and food writer Bill Granger passed away at the age of 54, as announced by his family on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, via Instagram. Granger, who peacefully died on Christmas Day in a London hospital, was surrounded by his wife, Natalie Elliott, and their three daughters, Edie, Inès, and Bunny. The cause of his death was not disclosed.
Upon hearing the news, close friends and fellow Australians, Hugh Jackman and his ex-wife Deborra-Lee Jackman, expressed their sorrow in an Instagram story, remembering Granger’s talent, vibrant spirit, ability to bring people together, and commitment to family. They extended their love and condolences to Natalie and their daughters, signing off with “Rest in peace. Deb & Hugh.”
Bill Granger, hailed as the “king of breakfast,” boasted a culinary career that spanned 19 restaurants worldwide. He authored 14 cookbooks and starred in five TV shows broadcasted in Australia and the U.K. Granger is credited with popularizing avocado toast, with the first recorded sighting on a menu believed to be at one of his restaurants in 1993.
Celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson also mourned Granger through social media posts. Lawson expressed her heartbreak over the news, while Oliver, recalling his fond memories of Granger’s first Sydney restaurant in Darlinghurst, described him as a wonderful, warm, and charming man with an extraordinary ease and style in cooking.
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In their family statement, Granger’s loved ones expressed gratitude for the outpouring of tributes, acknowledging the profound impact he had on all who knew him. They emphasized that his loss is most deeply felt by his adored family, who appreciate the love and support received during this difficult time.
Bill Granger’s Culinary Journey
During the late 1980s, Granger made a move from Melbourne to Sydney with the intention of pursuing art studies. While immersed in his art studies, he supported himself by working as a waiter. However, his focus gradually shifted from art to the realm of food.
The pivotal moment came in 1993 when he established his first restaurant, Bills, located in the Sydney suburb of Darlinghurst. It was here that Granger gained public recognition, particularly for his emphasis on breakfast, notably the indulgent creamy scrambled eggs.
Following the success of Bills, he went on to open Bills Surry Hills in 1996, followed by Bills Woollahra, marking the progression of his culinary ventures.
In 2008, Granger expanded his culinary footprint by inaugurating the first Bills restaurant outside Australia in Japan, a place where he had previously resided for six months. Subsequently, he extended his presence in Japan with the opening of eight additional restaurants in various regions including Tokyo, Yokohama, Kamakura, Fukuoka, and Osaka.
In 2011, Granger made his mark in the UK culinary scene with the launch of his first restaurant, Granger & Co, situated in London’s Westbourne Grove. Building on this success, he expanded his London-based presence with the opening of a second Granger & Co. in Clerkenwell during the spring of 2014.
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Simultaneously, he introduced a new Bills restaurant in Hawaii. The same year also witnessed the debut of his inaugural restaurant in Seoul, with subsequent expansion to encompass two restaurants in the country.