News broke yesterday of the sudden death of one of the most interesting chefs on the London and UK restaurant scene. After a short illness, having been diagnosed with a rare skin cancer last year, the chef died on 22 November, "surrounded by her family and loved ones".
In a statement released by the family said: "Skye was a culinary visionary who influenced generations of chefs and growers globally to think about food and its connection to the land. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy and is an inspiration to us all."
At the time of her death, Gyngell had two restaurants, Spring in London and Marle at the luxury hotel Heckfield Place in Hampshire. But she is perhaps most deeply linked to the restaurant which made her name and where she first won a Michelin star, Petersham Nurseries Cafe. The awarding of a Michelin star to a cafe with earthen floors in the middle of a garden centre was a huge deal at the time, but it brought with it expectations that led the chef to leave, having called the star "a curse".
At the time she went on record saying "If I ever have another restaurant, I pray we don't get a star." But she did go on to win a green Michelin star at Marle for the restaurant's sustainable dining ethos.
That unwavering commitment to cooking what was in season was what brought her to Michelin's attention at Petersham. But it was at her Somerset House restaurant Spring where Gyngell was able to take that ingredient-led cooking to new levels. The restaurant's scratch menu is a great example of that, using produce that would have otherwise gone to waste. So pastry trimmings, day old bread and vegetable peelings are all transformed into gorgeous dishes.
Gyngell was also an acclaimed food writer having contributed to both The Independent on Sunday and Vogue for years and with four cookbooks to her name.
Tributes were quick to flow after the news of Gyngell's death.
"Beyond saddened to hear that Skye Gyngell has passed after a brave long journey. Such a loss x such a heartbreak with such an extraordinary life and career x how this lovely lass lit up the world." - Jeremy Lee
"Skye Gyngell has left us and her gentle light has gone quiet. She brought calm and kindness in her own soft way and we were lucky to share our days with her." - Jose Pizarro
"She was the true pioneer of the farm to table movement in the UK and I looked up to her so much. Her commitment was totally unwavering, authentic but always displayed with such humility and elegance." - Merlin Johnson
The team at Hot Dinners would like to extend their condolences to Gyngell's family.
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