Russell Norman dies, aged 57: Tributes to celebrated restaurateur and BBC star after he loses 'short battle' with illness in hospital

Award-winning restaurateur and BBC star Russell Norman has died aged 57 following a short illness in hospital, his business partner has announced.

Mr Norman died surrounded by his family and friends on Thursday, just weeks after his fourth cookbook was published.

Announcing the news was his business partner Richard Beatty, with whom Mr Norman co-founded the popular London restaurants Spuntino and Polpo. 

Calling him his 'best friend', Mr Beatty said: 'It is with the greatest sadness I announce the loss of my best friend Russell Norman.

'After a short battle in hospital, he died surrounded by family and friend.

'Russell is survived by his wife and three children, I ask that you respect the privacy of his family, friends and colleagues at this time.

Tributes have poured in, including from restaurant critic Jay Rayner who hailed Mr Norman was 'one of the most gifted of restaurateurs'.

He said: 'So sorry to hear of the death, far too young, of Russell Norman.

'He was one of the most gifted of restaurateurs, a terrific writer and an awful lot of fun to be around.

'He very much lived life his own way. My thoughts are with his family and friends.'

He is survived by a wife and three children.