We're sorrier than we can say to have to relay the news of the death of Richard Vines. The former restaurant critic for Bloomberg, Richard was one of the best-known characters associated with London's restaurant scene and someone we knew as a friend for the many years we've been running Hot Dinners.
For a quarter of a century, Vines was the Chief Food Critic at Bloomberg - a perhaps unlikely final job for someone who first worked for British Rail before converting to journalism. In 2004, he got the nod to become the news organisation's food critic. "I simply put my hand up for the post and volunteered that I had covered food and dining while at the South China Morning Post," he once recalled. "I hadn’t, but I got the job and have been grateful of it ever since." It was a position he described as a dream job and one which he carried out with flair and knowledge for many years. He was also, for a long time, the head of the committee for the UK and Ireland voting panel for the World's 50 Best Restaurants.
Even after his retirement, he continued to be a regularly spotted fixture at London restaurant launches. Not remotely interested in staying at home, he also started a review website with his close friend, the chef Pierre Koffman.
Almost as well known for his striking dress sense - those shoes! those suits! - Richard was a prominent fixture on the London restaurant party circuit and was close friends with many of its chefs and restaurateurs. He was always so kind and helpful to us starting out, and we've never forgotten that. Even when we were trying to scoop each other on news stories we had a healthy professional respect for each other. Our last encounter with him, like our first, was at a party. This one was for Gordon Ramsay's new London restaurant, where Richard came dressed to the nines. It's a good way to remember him because he will be very much missed.
The restaurant world reacts
"Richard was deeply loyal, incredibly kind, and someone who supported me as a young chef when I was still growing, helping me in so many ways. As a true critic at Bloomberg, he only ever shared positive energy and encouragement. More than that, he was a true friend." - Jason Atherton
"Always eager to showcase and promote the talents and gifts of hospitality professionals whose work he most admired, no visit to London was complete without Richard introducing me to his newest favorite restaurant, chef, and restaurateur. If Richard loved a restaurant or chef, you could take it to the bank." - Danny Meyer
"The sweetest, kindest, most fun friend with the biggest of hearts. One who always had a kind word, a naughty joke and an invite for fun up his sleeve. Completely irreplaceable. - Ravinder Bogal
"Richard was always there for me when I started out and along my journey. A true inspiration and gentleman. The world has lost a very very good person. Thank you for all your belief in me. - Adam Handling
"He will be remembered as an honourable friend, who was always there for us and incredibly supportive of what we do." - Atul Kochhar
