Chef and Marco Pierre White's mentor Nico Ladenis dies as tributes pour in

11 September 2023 , 10:10

591     0

Iconic chef and Marco Pierre-White's mentor Nico Ladenis dies as tributes pour in

Iconic chef and Marco Pierre-White's mentor, Nico Ladenis, has died at the age of 89.

Nico earned three Michelin stars at 90 Park Lane in the 90s. He also opened his first London restaurant, Chez Nico, in 1973 before moving on to open Simply Nico in 1989. His third London venue, Chez Nico at 90 Park Lane, turned him into a legend and a household name.

Friends and fans paid tribute to the star following his death, with Chef Paul Flynn describing how he worked with him for several years. "Sad news that Nico Ladenis has died," he said. "I spent 9 of my most formative years with him. He continues to have an influence on my cooking and career.

"I’m grateful to have had those years of experience in one of the most elite kitchens of its time. #RIPNico What a legacy you left." Another person, who worked with him for a decade, tweeted: "RIP Nico Ladenis , one of the greatest chefs ever , was an honour to work for him for 10 years."

Nico died aged 89

He was Marco Pierre-White's mentor (Getty Images)

"Our thoughts go out to the family of Nico Ladenis. A legendary self-taught chef, he helped establish London's culinary scene with his dedication to restraint & precision. Chez Nico at 90 Park Lane was awarded 3 Stars – one of many achievements he will be fondly remembered for," The Michelin Guide account tweeted.

Dr Michael Mosley shares exercise that can cut cholesterol and blood pressure

James Martin shared a photo of the chef and added: "RIP Nico Ladenis, one of the few true greats of the UK food scene." Another chef posted: "So sad to hear the passing of the great chef Nico Ladenis. A great cook who finally got the 3 stars he deserved. I remember reading his book My Gastronomy back in the eighties and learning so much. RIP."

Sat Bains shared a throwback photo of them and wrote: "RIP Chef Nico Ladenis. A true Gastronomic Leader of chefs that inspired a whole generation," while chef Tom Kerridge, who earned two Michelin stars with one of his pubs, said: "RIP Nico….. a true culinary hero. Chef leader and inspiration to so many….."

Ladenis was branded a "field marshal of classical cuisine" and was put in the same rank as Raymond Blanc and the Roux brothers. He entered the industry at the age of 37 after spending most of his life in the oil and gas industry. He became the first self-taught chef to win three Michelin stars in Britain.

The iconic chef also published two books called My Gastronomy as well as the part memoir and part kitchen psychology book, Nico. He spent a lot of his career mentoring the likes of Marco, Jason Atherton and Andre Garrett.

Zara Woodcock