The chef, who described himself as an “instinctive cook”, was known for his exceptional and sometimes experimental cooking, first at Juniper restaurant in Altrincham, where he won a Michelin Star in 1997, and later at Edinburgh restaurant with rooms 21212, which he opened with partner Katie O’Brien in 2009 and which won a Michelin Star just eight months later.
In a mailing list message sent to customers at 21212 - named because it served a five-course menu with a choice of two starters, one main course and two dessert courses - O’Brien announced the sad news, writing: “Dear friends, It is with heavy heart that I write to let you know that I’ve lost my love - Paul - who sadly passed away yesterday.”
“The death has come as a total shock to us at 21212 and we are trying to come to terms with the passing of a legend within our industry. Paul was an inspirational figure to everyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him or working with him and we are all devastated.”
The restaurant also posted a picture of Kitching on Twitter, with the caption: “My love has gone. But what a love.”
Chefs took to social media to express their sadness, with Claude Bosi writing: “Today we have lost what I call a true genius. RIP my dear friend” and Neil Rankin saying: “That’s tragic news. Never been so floored in a good way with a cheese course as he gave us.”
Replying to the news on Twitter, Gary Usher wrote: “This is awful news I’m so so sorry. He was so kind to me when I needed an arm around me more than ever. He was one in a million & a genius too. So so sorry for your loss.”
Speaking on the opening of 21212 back in 2009, Kitching said: “In the past I have been called experimental but I would say that my dishes are intricate, feminine, interesting and vibrant in colour and they are delicately assembled with a build up of flavours.”
In 2011 he was named the best chef in Scotland in the Catering in Scotland (CIS) Excellence Awards.