Pub industry pays tribute to Gary Rhodes

A statement from the chef's family said: "The Rhodes family are deeply saddened to announce the passing of beloved husband, father and brother, Gary Rhodes OBE.

"The family would like to thank everyone for their support and ask for privacy during this time."

Celebrity chef Tom Kerridge runs the double-Michelin starred pub the Hand & Flowers, the one Michelin-starred the Coach, and the Butchers Tap, all in Marlow, Buckinghamshire highlighted his memories with Rhodes.

So so sad to hear about Gary Rhodes. His banana and syrup loaf was the first thing I baked all on my own. The pages are stuck together with syrup So much love to his family #garyrhodes

— Candice Brown (@CandiceBrown) November 27, 2019

2/2 Many chefs have been through his kitchen, myself included. I consider it to be an honour to have stood alongside him at the pass. My thoughts go out to family and close friends for their huge loss.

— Tom Kerridge (@ChefTomKerridge) November 27, 2019

Great British Bake Off ​winner and celebrity licensee of the Green Man, Eversholt, Bedfordshire Candice Brown gave a similar sentiment.

So so sad to hear about Gary Rhodes. His banana and syrup loaf was the first thing I baked all on my own. The pages are stuck together with syrup So much love to his family #garyrhodes

— Candice Brown (@CandiceBrown) November 27, 2019

Paul Ainsworth from the Mariners in Rock, Cornwall went into detail on his relationship with Rhodes.

Finally managed to put the words down on Instagram to try and explain how much love I have for this man. https://t.co/Z9isMmBXBxpic.twitter.com/vw9NQNErNB

— Paul Ainsworth (@PaulAinsw6rth) November 27, 2019

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I have written this out a few times, but the words just didn’t seem to do justice on my respect and love for this man. Anyone who knows me well, will know I always talk about Chef with the upmost respect. This was where it all began for me. I have so many stories and memories. 1998 I was just finishing college. My lecturer, the late, great Martin Nash was god father to Gary’s children. Gary called Martin and asked if any students were finishing up and if they would want a job at his brand new restaurant ‘Rhodes in the Square.’ Martin asked me and I jumped at the chance. I drove up to London and met Gary, he was the first celebrity I had ever met and I remember being so over whelmed by his hair. He was immaculate, he offered me a Job and that was great, but the struggle for me, was London rent and deposit. “Chef I said, I don’t have that sort of money saved up for accommodation!” Gary said “here’s what I’ll do, I will put you up in Dolphin square hotel for 3 months free of charge and you save all your wages up for your digs.” So that’s what I did and that’s how I started out in London at 19 years old. Now I realise I was also in the presence of a true genius and pioneer. This mans vision and knowledge of British Gastronomy was like nothing else. His mastery of simplicity was unsurpassed. I will forever be lucky to know I got to cook with him and call him boss and mentor. Rest in peace chef and thank you for everything. ❤️ The other pictures are the only ones I had and it was my last day at Rhodes In The Square. Which was Christmas Day. He invited my parents and sister for Christmas Day lunch. He then came out and told my parents how proud he was of me and that going to work for Gordon was as good as it gets and that it would be finishing school for me. Xx

A post shared by Paul Ainsworth (@paulainsw6rth) on Nov 27, 2019 at 11:18am PST

The Parkers Arms in Newton-in-Bowland, Lancashire hailed the chef as an "inspiration".

A very special chef and an inspiration #RIP#garyrhodeshttps://t.co/SiGx6Ir9cxpic.twitter.com/jbBRBll8xX

— Parkers Arms (@parkersarms) November 28, 2019

A sad start to the day, it’s always rubbish when an old boss dies especially when he was such a big part of my career and such a nice bloke RIP #GARYRHODES ❤️ ‍

— The Longs Arms (@TheLongsArms) November 27, 2019

Absolutely tragic news on hearing the loss of Gary Rhodes yesterday.

A fantastic chef who shone the light on the greatness of British produce and cooking #RIPpic.twitter.com/Hi3anxlQh1

— The Bull Ditchling (@ditchlingbull) November 27, 2019

Very sad to hear of the death of Gary Rhodes, at just 59. He created some truly memorable food and food experiences

— Kate Nicholls (@UKHospKate) November 27, 2019

The Michelin Guide said British gastronomy owed Rhodes.

We are all very sad to hear of the passing of Gary Rhodes. He was an inspirational chef and British gastronomy owes him a huge debt. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

— The MICHELIN Guide (@MichelinGuideUK) November 27, 2019