Author and restaurateur Russell Norman dies aged 57

Award-winning author and restaurateur Russell Norman has died aged 57, after a short battle in hospital, his publisher has confirmed. 

Russell was the founder of London’s acclaimed trattoria Brutto, and co-founder of Polpo and Spuntino. His first book Polpo: A Venetian Cookbook (of Sorts) won the inaugural Waterstones Book of the Year in 2012. 

His most recent book, Brutto: A Simple Florentine Cookbook was published by Ebury Press on 2nd November. 

Cathryn Summerhayes, Russell’s long-standing literary agent at Curtis Brown, said: “Russell Norman wasn’t just a Curtis Brown author, he was my friend. Whether it was adding an extra magnum of Prosecco to the table at a publishing dinner, treating me to lunch on my birthday or simply knowing when I had had the sort of day that warranted an extra strong Negroni, he was always on hand, always ridiculously generous and always passionate about everything he did. He was also an absolutely brilliant writer and artist — knowing exactly how his books should look, read and feel. I am heartbroken but also lucky to have had him in my life for 12 years.” 

Lizzy Gray, outgoing deputy publisher of Ebury, said: “Russell was one of a kind. A truly creative force and an absolute joy to work with. It was his infectious personality, gifted design eye, unwavering attention to detail and, crucially, his humour, which drove his award-winning and truly game-changing books including Brutto. The team and I are shocked and deeply saddened. I will miss him.” 

Juliet Annan, who published Russell while at Fig Tree, added: “I loved working with Russell on Venice: he was the easiest of authors – appreciative, professional, his writing was great, his recipes delicious and easy to follow, his passion for food and places (Venice in particular) infectious. He was a fantastic storyteller. And he had such style and grace, (he knew exactly how he wanted his books to look). He was interested in everything and everyone. He will be so missed by so many people – the most lovable of men.” 

Brutto will remain open, under the custodianship of his son Ollie and his wife Jules.