Friends and colleagues pay tribute to 'legend' Andrew Fairlie

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor

Twice Michelin-starred chef Andrew Fairlie has passed away following a fourteen year battle with cancer.

His death, although expected, prompted a flurry of messages from his admirers wishing to pay their respects.

Among them was a tribute from the Gleneagles team - the restaurant founded by Andrew for which he earned two Michelin stars, becoming the first Scottish restaurant to figure in the guide - and another from the Scottish Prime Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. 

Many chefs also paid tribute to Andrew on social media today, citing him as an inspiration.

Andrew was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, but only stepped down from his restaurant at the Gleneagles Hotel in November last year, after his medical team informed him that his condition was terminal in June.

His restaurant received its first Michelin star in 2001, followed by a second in 2006. It was awarded its fourth AA Guide rosette in 2004.

Andrew Fairlie was also the first chef to be filmed for The Staff Canteen Featured Chef series. TSC founder Mark Morris said:

"It's an incredibly sad day and our thoughts are with Andrew's family. Professionally, Andrew will always be held in the highest regard by everyone at The Staff Canteen. He was our first ever featured chef, an inspiration for chefs and a true gent." 

By Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall and restrict access – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 12 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 500,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor 22nd January 2019

Friends and colleagues pay tribute to 'legend' Andrew Fairlie