I just discovered this piece while reading about Russell Norman’s death, and then his life, via a Jay Rayner article in the Guardian. Brings a tear to my eye, I can’t imagine the enormity of the loss it was for you folks who actually knew him.
What a lovingly accurate exemplary piece. I recognise him in every single paragraph.
I burst into tears when I got the news too. I keep remembering times we met, in restaurants, clubs, cafes, wherever. Every single one I’d accurately describe as happy or just plain enjoyable. Russell was fantastic.
Very well judged piece Henry. I interviewed him in 2019 and, on the back of it, he invited me to the Polpo 10th Anniversary Festa (introduced me to Angela Hartnett), was so kind and thoughtful. Always. At Brutto he never failed to ensure I got a fantastic table and would swing by with tempting free appetisers and, if I was early for my reservation, would treat me to a Negroni at the bar and chat about life. What a terrible loss to his family, the hospitality industry and to humanity! Thank you for sharing your history - with him - with us.
I agree with the Egg, below, and with Mr Neather: beautifully written. I'm sorry that he is lost to you and to others. I like the fanciful notion that somehow it was he himself offering you that beer and then detraining at Chatham.
It now seems one is obliged to go to Brutto, for all sorts of reasons, and for those who outlive him.
I just discovered this piece while reading about Russell Norman’s death, and then his life, via a Jay Rayner article in the Guardian. Brings a tear to my eye, I can’t imagine the enormity of the loss it was for you folks who actually knew him.
Thanks Iain.
So sad that you never got to cement that friendship. I think he had that effect on everyone he came into contact with. Such a loss.
Yes such a sad loss. I loved your post visiting after his death, though not sure I could at the moment.
What a lovingly accurate exemplary piece. I recognise him in every single paragraph.
I burst into tears when I got the news too. I keep remembering times we met, in restaurants, clubs, cafes, wherever. Every single one I’d accurately describe as happy or just plain enjoyable. Russell was fantastic.
Very well judged piece Henry. I interviewed him in 2019 and, on the back of it, he invited me to the Polpo 10th Anniversary Festa (introduced me to Angela Hartnett), was so kind and thoughtful. Always. At Brutto he never failed to ensure I got a fantastic table and would swing by with tempting free appetisers and, if I was early for my reservation, would treat me to a Negroni at the bar and chat about life. What a terrible loss to his family, the hospitality industry and to humanity! Thank you for sharing your history - with him - with us.
Thanks for sharing Mike. I bet the party was brilliant.
I agree with the Egg, below, and with Mr Neather: beautifully written. I'm sorry that he is lost to you and to others. I like the fanciful notion that somehow it was he himself offering you that beer and then detraining at Chatham.
It now seems one is obliged to go to Brutto, for all sorts of reasons, and for those who outlive him.
You must go though it’s hard to imagine it without him out front welcoming everyone.
Lovely piece
Thanks Andy.
He was a beautiful person in every sense of the word. A lovely tribute. One of your best pieces.
Thank you. I am glad. It seems to have struck a chord with lots of people .
What a wonderful man he sounds, and gone at such a young age.
Much too young.