‘The man who knew everyone and everything worth knowing’: Food critic Richard Vines dies aged 71

Hospitality pays tribute

During his 21 years reporting on restaurants in the UK and across the world, Vines built a varied journalism portfolio, ranging from investigations into why Pret A Manger dropped tuna sushi in 2009 to tracking Simon Rogan’s expansion into London in the early 2010s, describing Rogan as “an innovative and slightly quirky chef”. Fifteen years later he was still attending some of London’s buzziest restaurant openings, namely Gordon Ramsay’s latest restaurant, 22 Bishopsgate.

Martin Williams, chief executive of D&D London (Evolv Collection) and founder of M Restaurants, told The Caterer: “I first met Richard in 2014 when I opened M in Threadneedle Street. Richard was the beating heart of hospitality in the City; a champion, a fierce critic, the man who knew everyone and everything worth knowing.

“I feel very lucky that Richard became a friend. He was always there to generously support me when I opened restaurants and was delighted for me when a took my position at D&D/Evolv collection. We celebrated together over lunch, earlier in the month, in a ‘Vines Dines’ style to be proud of.

“Everyone in hospitality will have many wonderful memories of Richard, his sartorial splendour, his bon viveur, his kindness. Richard’s impact on the London restaurant scene is a light that will never go out.”

Image Credit: Martin Williams/Richard Vines (left) and Williams (right)

Chef and restaurateur Jason Atherton, who is behind the two-Michelin-starred Row on 5 in London, also told The Caterer: “Richard was one of the good guys. He was of huge support to me when I was a young chef and always had such positivity for the industry in general. He was a real champion of London restaurants and always seemed to have time for people. He’ll be massively missed.”

Maureen Mills, owner of Network London PR, said: “Richard was a consummate networker and astute foodie. He loved a glass or two of Champagne and revelled in checking out the latest restaurants and bars. He was also an old-school journalist who understood research, fact-checking and proper writing. He will be missed.”

Galvin Restaurants posted on Instagram: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend, brilliant journalist and steadfast supporter of Galvin Restaurants, the incomparable Richard Vines.

“Richard was a true champion of everything Chris and Jeff undertook. We cherished his visits to our restaurants over the years and were honoured to have him as the trusted judge for our annual iconic tarte tatin competition. A kind and remarkable man has been lost and with him, the restaurant world has lost one of its greatest champions.”

Michael Caines, chef owner of Lympstone Manor in Devon, added: “What a guy, no one quite like him. A true gentleman and giant yet gentle critic. Richard Vines they say the food in heaven is heavenly! RIP.”

Hrishikesh Desai, chef patron at the Michelin-starred Farlam Hall in Cumbria and 2009 Roux Scholar, said: “Shocked and sad to hear the passing of Richard Eyre Vines. He was the guest judge for the Roux Scholarship in 2009, which I won. He judged me in the Birmingham semi-finals as well as the finals. I got a chance to dine at the famous and now three-Michelin-starred Ledbury. As his guest, I got a tour of Bloomberg as well as a casual lunch at Locanda Locatelli.

“As a food expert and critic, he was a well-respected person and spoken so highly within the industry circles. Richard you will be sadly missed by many and thank you so much for your guidance throughout my career.”

Please send your tributes to jungmin.seo@thecaterer.com.