'Outstanding chef and wonderful man' - Ian McAndrew, Michelin-starred chef behind Eastwell Manor, dies

Ian McAndrew, the Michelin-starred chef who built his reputation at Eastwell Manor in Kent and Restaurant Seventy Four in Canterbury, has died.

His death was announced by Master Chefs of Great Britain (MCGB) on via social media on Sunday, October 11, 2026. George McIvor, MCGB chairman, said: "Ian was a dear friend and an inspiration to many young chefs. His knowledge, passion and commitment to the industry was exemplary. Our thoughts and condolences are with Jane and the family."

Tributes to Ian have followed from across the industry.

Replying to the post on social media, celebrity chef Tom Kerridge, whose ventures include running two-Michelin-starred Hand and Flowers as well as Michelin-starred The Coach in Marlow, led the tributes, writing: "Outstanding chef and wonderful man."

Dan Ashmore, chef at Schloss Roxburghe Hotel & Spa near Kelso in the Scottish Borders and vice chairman of MCGB, said: "A real shame to read of Ian's passing. It was such a pleasure to have him with us at the lunch this year! Rest in peace chef."

Calum Montgomery, chef owner of Edinbane Lodge on the Isle of Skye and Scottish Chef of the Year 2025, added: "A lovely man and true legend. Very sorry to read this. Deepest condolences to all of Chef Ian's family."

Five decades in professional kitchens

Ian built the kitchen at Eastwell Manor from scratch, joining the Kent country house hotel in November 1979, a few months before it opened.

The hotel won a Michelin star less than a year later, in January 1981, a feat Ian only learned about when he arrived at a chefs' get-together at Hambleton Hall to find himself greeted with cheers and champagne.

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He went on to win a second Michelin star at Restaurant Seventy Four in Canterbury in 1985, cooked at the James Beard House in New York, and ran Restaurant One Sixteen in Knightsbridge.

Earlier in his career he worked under Anton Mosimann at The Dorchester in London. Ian published three cookbooks and, in a later career renaissance, returned to the kitchen at Blackaddie House Hotel in Sanquhar, Scotland, from which he retired.

Chefs who trained under Ian include Phil Vickery, Michael Deane and the late Paul Kitching.

In his recently published memoir, Just Call Me Chef, Ian told the story of more than five decades in professional kitchens, from a working-class childhood in Seaham, County Durham, to his Michelin-starred career and retirement.

The Staff Canteen shared an extract from his book, which you can read here.