Australian chef, restaurateur, and food writer Bill Granger, 54, passed away in London, England, on Christmas Day, 2023.
Granger’s death concludes a remarkable career of over 30 years, following a fight with cancer. He made substantial contributions to the culinary world during his lifetime.
Granger was born on August 29, 1969, in Melbourne, Australia. He was a self-taught chef who first rose to prominence in the early 1990s.
At the age of 21, Granger left art school, relocated to Sydney, and opened his first restaurant, Bills, in the Darlinghurst suburb in 1993. The restaurant quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional breakfast menu, especially its creamy scrambled eggs.
Granger is widely acknowledged for creating the now-famous avocado toast, a dish that reflects his cooking philosophy: fresh, accessible, and straightforward. His culinary approach extended to his dining style, encouraging relaxed and shared eating experiences.
Together with his wife, Natalie Elliott, Granger expanded his restaurant business worldwide. The couple successfully launched 19 restaurants in major cities, including London and Seoul.
Granger’s international success was matched by his extensive work as an author and television personality. He penned 14 cookbooks and was featured in five TV cooking shows, showcasing his love for Australian cuisine to a global audience.
In 2023, Granger was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition of his contributions to the culinary arts and his role in championing Australian cuisine globally. This esteemed award underscored his status as a culinary ambassador and his influence in popularizing Australian food to the world.
Granger’s colleagues and contemporaries in the food industry, including Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson, have expressed their deep regret at his passing, remembering his warmth, talent, and the joy his cooking brought to the world.
Celebrities Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness have also mourned Granger’s passing, acknowledging his inspiring dedication to family and his talent for uniting people through his culinary creations.
Granger’s influence and innovations will continue to be celebrated, especially his role in popularizing Australian cuisine.
Granger is survived by his wife Natalie and daughters Edie, Inès, and Bunny.
