Inspirational slow food pioneer Gyngell dies of skin cancer at 62

Tributes have been paid to the pioneering chef and restaurant proprietor Skye Gyngell, who has died aged 62.

- Nadeem Badshah

The Australian was an early celebrity proponent of using local and seasonal ingredients and built a garden restaurant from scratch, the Petersham Nurseries Cafe in Richmond, southwest London, which went on to win a Michelin star.

A statement from her family and friends read: "We are deeply saddened to share news of Skye Gyngell's passing on 22 November in London, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Skye was a culinary visionary who influenced generations of chefs and growers globally to think about food and its connection to the land.

"She leaves behind a remarkable legacy and is an inspiration to us all." Jeremy Lee, the head chef at the London restaurant Quo Vadis, praised Gyngell for her “extraordinary life and career... how this lovely lass lit up the world”.