Gary Rhodes dies aged 59
The Rhodes family confirmed that the chef passed away in Dubai yesterday (26 November) with his wife by his side.
A statement from the family read: "The Rhodes family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE.
"Gary passed away last evening, Tuesday 26 November 2019, at the age of 59, with his beloved wife Jennie by his side.
"The family would like to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy during this time."
Grosvenor House Dubai and Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, where Rhodes worked, said in a statement that the team were ‘devastated’ by the news.
“Not only has the industry lost a true culinary legend, we have also lost an inspirational human being and a very dear friend,” the statement said.
“No words can express our sadness at Gary’s death or our gratitude for the opportunity to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rhodes family.”
Career success
Known for his distinctive spiky hairstyle, Rhodes was one of the original and most successful celebrity chefs and had a distinguished career pioneering British cuisine.
He was the author of 18 cookery books and fronted television shows including MasterChef, MasterChef USA, Hell’s Kitchen and Rhodes Around Britain.
Rhodes trained at catering college in Thanet before taking his first job at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel.
He worked at the Capital Hotel in Knightsbridge before becoming head chef at the Castle Hotel in Taunton, maintaining its Michelin star aged just 26.
In 1990 Rhodes returned to London to take a position as head chef at the Greenhouse Restaurant in Mayfair, winning a Michelin star in 1996.
The chef began a six-year partnership with catering company Sodexo in 1997, opening City Rhodes and Rhodes in the Square in London, as well as brasseries across the country.
He teamed up with Restaurant Associates to launch Rhodes 24 at London’s Tower 42 in 2005, which won him another Michelin star, and later opened as Rhodes W1 in Park Lane and two cruise ship restaurants.
The chef was awarded an OBE in 2006.
He opened a restaurant in Dublin in 2006 and Dubai in 2007, and ran two Dorset restaurants, King Rhodes and Rhodes South, from 2008 to 2010.
The chef moved to Dubai in 2011 and has been operating restaurants in partnership with Marriot hotels.
Members of the industry have been paying tribute to Rhodes this morning.
Such sad news of the passing away of one of England’s great chefs, Gary Rhodes. A man I was privileged to know from his very early days, watching his success & noting the number of young people he inspired in our wonderful industry. A true friend. RIP chef. ♥️ to Jennie & boys x
— Brian Turner (@BrianTurnerChef) November 27, 2019
We are all very sad to hear of the passing of Gary Rhodes. He was an inspirational chef and British gastronomy owes him a huge debt. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.
— The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) November 27, 2019
Very sad to get a message this morning from Dubai informing me of the brilliant Chef and mentor Gary Rhodes passing last night. What a shining star for British gastronomy. Rest well Chef
— Simon Hulstone (@Hulstone) November 27, 2019
We lost a fantastic chef today in Gary Rhodes. He was a chef who put British Cuisine on the map. Sending all the love and prayers to your wife and kids. You’ll be missed Gx pic.twitter.com/RRWlWhjup8
— Gordon Ramsay (@GordonRamsay) November 27, 2019
