AN award-winning TV chef has died aged 63 after battling a long-term illness.
Richard Hughes, who was a regular on local shows in Norfolk and was chef patron at Norwich‘s Assembly House, passed away on Sunday, his family said.
The restaurateur also ran the Richard Hughes Cookery School where he mentored hopeful chefs.
In a statement, his wife Stacia Briggs said: “The Assembly House is overwhelmed by the thousands of messages they have received today.
“Richard’s influence spreads through kitchens across the world through the hundreds of chefs he mentored.
“We are so very proud of his work and the kind, funny, generous man he was.”
Richard had been receiving treatment for 18 months when he sadly died.
The 63-year-old had taken ill four years ago but continued working until December last year.
In a message to staff and customers at the time, he said: “It’s been my life, and the sadness for me is that I’ve lost that. I love it so much.
“But of course, it’s not just about the food, it never has been.
“It’s the joy of giving, of looking after people… bringing glamour into people’s lives.
“And it’s working with my family, my very best friends, my very favourite people.
“What a privilege. I’ve been an incredibly lucky boy.”
At 15 years old, Richard’s career in the kitchen began with a pot-washing job at Great Yarmouth‘s Imperial Hotel.
He gradually worked his way up the ladder before becoming their head chef after six years.
Shortly after, he left to work at Michelin-starred The Rookery, in Cheshire.
But he couldn’t stay away from his roots for too long – returning to Norfolk in 1991 and opening his first restaurant, Number 24.
And in 2009, he took on the lease at the Assembly House.
Richard was also know for his appearances on Mustard TV, a local channel in Norfolk, where he would travel around the county and cook dishes.
