A “genuine inspiration,” Kitching co-owned the five-star 21212 restaurant in Edinburgh with his partner Katie O’Brien.
I’m sad to report the love of my life has passed away, she stated in her social media post on Thursday.
Tributes quickly flooded in.
In a Tweet released by the Michelin Guide, which inspects hotels and eateries across the world, the organisation paid tribute to “a true maverick”.
The post said: “Paul Kitching was kind, clever, hugely talented and infectiously enthusiastic. He was also a true maverick and his passion and creativity were evident in every dish he created. Our heartfelt sympathies go to Katie and all his family.”
Online tributes to him poured in from other places, with both influential people in the culinary sector and regular food lovers sharing their feelings.
One person wrote: “Paul was such an incredible person – so gifted, insanely creative but also had time to talk to everyone, and to listen. Was an honour to know and work for him.”
“I will never forget my time working at Juniper, he was an amazing, wild, funny, inspirational man,” said another, and another social media user wrote: “He was the most inspiring person I have ever met, genius!”
It said: “A true inspiration to thousands of chefs who passed through his doors and to many more. Paul taught me there are no rules in cooking. Lemon tart with Chicken, STP with venison are a few that I mention alot. Paul will live on through his cooking and teaching.
“Paul was my last Head chef before I went out on my own and was truly part of creating me and my style. My condolences to all who loved him and to all who look up to him as one of the greats. He will be missed dearly.”
On 2009, the couple opened 21212 in Edinburgh’s Royal Terrace. Since then, the restaurant has won numerous accolades, including Best New Restaurant in the UK, a Michelin star from 2009 to 2019, four AA rosettes, and Restaurant of the Year honours from Catering in Scotland. Kitching received the Prince Philip medal as well for his contributions to the catering sector.
The pair owned and operated Juniper in Greater Manchester before relocating to Edinburgh. The eatery earned a Michelin star, was named England’s Restaurant of the Year, and was among the top 20 restaurants in The Good Food Guide.
Paul Kitching has been referred as as “pure talent, driven by a strong creative energy; a powerhouse of the north” by Gordon Ramsay and Jay Rayner, respectively.
