Skye Gyngell, the acclaimed Australian-born chef known for her seasonal cooking philosophy, has died at the age of 62. Her family confirmed she passed away in London on Saturday. They described her as a visionary who encouraged chefs and growers worldwide to see food as deeply connected to the land. The news of the Skye Gyngell death has led to widespread tributes across the culinary world.
Gyngell became a leading name in the UK dining scene after earning a Michelin star for her work at Petersham Nurseries Café in Richmond. The recognition brought her international attention and established her as a champion of simple, produce-led cooking. She later led several respected restaurants, including Spring at Somerset House and Marle and Hearth at Heckfield Place in Hampshire.
Her career began after she moved from Sydney to Paris at 19, where she trained in several esteemed kitchens, including the two-Michelin-starred Dodin-Bouffant. She moved to London soon after and worked alongside respected chefs such as Fergus and Margot Henderson.
In 2004, she transformed Petersham Nurseries Café into a celebrated dining destination, though she later stepped away, saying the Michelin star created expectations that did not match the restaurant’s rustic style.
Several industry figures paid tribute following the news that Skye Gyngell died, including Jamie Oliver, who thanked her for inspiring young cooks. Nigella Lawson also expressed her grief, writing that even when someone is known to be unwell, losing them remains a shock.
Gyngell had been diagnosed last year with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer. Her treatment required surgery that temporarily affected her sense of taste and smell, a difficult experience for a chef of her calibre. The Skye Gyngell illness journey had been shared publicly in recent months.
Her passing came only days after the death of her mother, interior designer Ann Barr. Gyngell’s father, Bruce Gyngell, was a pioneering figure in Australian television.
Despite personal struggles earlier in life, including addiction, she went on to publish award-winning cookbooks and write food columns for Vogue. Her legacy remains influential across modern British and Australian cuisine, and tributes continue to reflect the impact of the Skye Gyngell cause of death on the food community.
For more on how Hollywood’s legends celebrate their peers, see Amitabh Bachchan’s heartfelt tribute to Dharmendra at 89.
