Award-winning restaurateur and Saturday Kitchen chef Russell Norman has died after a short illness.

The 57-year-old, from Pluckley, near Ashford, passed away on Thursday evening.

Norman, a former English teacher, founded the Italian restaurant Brutto and co-founded Italian restaurants Polpo and Spuntino in London.

He was at the forefront of the “small plates” and “no reservation” movements.

He is survived by his three children and partner Dr Genevieve Verdigel – the pair were due to travel Venice earlier this week to celebrate the release of his latest book.

Dr Verdigel explained he was excited about their trip to Italy, adding: “He’s been so happy since it came out, so full of life. That book is testimony to how much he loved Italy and its spirit, and how he and his photographer Jenny Zarins could capture that.

“He loved seeking the offbeat place; the places frequented by the locals and in which you feel like you are escaping from the conventional worldview.”

Former Saturday Kitchen host, James Martin, posted a tribute on X (formerly Twitter).

He said: “Just heard the news that today we lost a giant and a legend in the restaurant world, Russell Norman, who was and will always be an inspiration for so many.

“My thoughts go to his friends and family. RIP, such sad news.”

Friend Stefan Chomka, who is also editor of Restaurant magazine, added. “He loved restaurants that were like him – that had lots of charm and great character.

“He had a real sense of hospitality, as well as joy, intelligence, generosity and an eye for detail. He had a magpie tendency: he would take inspiration from restaurants in Italy, New York and London and bring them all together.”