Edinburgh chef Paul Kitching has died suddenly as tributes have poured in for the 'industry one in a million and genius'.
Paul's partner, Katie O'Brian confirmed his tragic death by saying it came as a "total shock." Paul ran the popular restaurant 21212 with Katie and just six months after it opened in 2009, it was awarded a Michelin Star.
In a mailing list message sent to customers at the restaurant, Katie paid tribute to her partner and dozens of fellow chefs have shared their condolences on social media following Paul's passing this week.
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Katie said: "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."
Katie also posted a picture of him in fancy dress on Twitter, with the caption: "My love has gone. But what a love."
Originally brought up in Gateshead, Paul began his career in a Latin American restaurant in Newcastle before moving to York to work as a commis chef and discovering his passion and talent for cooking.
He moved into Michelin kitchens in his early twenties including Restaurant 74 and Gidleigh Park before achieving his own star with his first restaurant Juniper.
Mark Poynton who worked with Paul at Juniper posted: "What a man, absolutely heart broken is an understatement, had an amazing time learning from Paul at Juniper."
Dean Banks, Masterchef finalist and fellow Edinburgh restaurant owner, also shared his condolences on social media and paid tribute to a 'true inspiration'.
He said: "A true inspiration to thousands of chefs who passed through his doors and to many more. Paul taught me there are no rules in cooking. Lemon tart with Chicken, STP with venison are a few that I mention a lot. Paul will live on through his cooking and teaching.
"Paul was my last Head chef before I went out on my own and was truly part of creating me and my style. My condolences to all who loved him and to all who look up to him as one of the greats. He will be missed dearly."
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