Gary Rhodes
Gary Rhodes | |
|---|---|
| Born | 22 April 1960 Camberwell, South London, England |
| Died | 26 November 2019 (aged 59) Dubai, United Arab Emirates |
| Occupation(s) | Restaurateur, television chef |
| Years active | 1987–2019 |
| Known for | English cuisine, MasterChef, MasterChef USA, Hell's Kitchen, Rhodes Around Britain |
Gary Rhodes (22 April 1960 – 26 November 2019) was a distinguished English restaurateur and television chef celebrated for his dedication to English cuisine and his signature spiked hair. He presented several well-known programs such as MasterChef, MasterChef USA, Hell's Kitchen, and Rhodes Around Britain. In addition to his television work, Rhodes owned multiple dining establishments and launched a branded collection of cookware and bread mixes. He also featured on ITV1’s Saturday Cooks and UKTV Food’s Local Food Hero before his unexpected passing at the age of 59.
Early years
Born in Camberwell, South London, in 1960 to Gordon and Jean (née Ferris) Rhodes, he later relocated with his family to Gillingham, Kent. There, he attended The Howard School in Rainham, Kent. His culinary education continued at Thanet College catering college in Thanet, where he met his future wife, Jennie.
Career
Rhodes began his professional journey at the Amsterdam Hilton Hotel. After recovering from severe injuries sustained during an accident there, he gained experience throughout Europe before securing the role of sous chef at London’s prestigious Reform Club. He then worked under Brian Turner at the Michelin-starred Capital Hotel. At just 26, he became head chef at the Castle Hotel, Taunton in Somerset, successfully maintaining its Michelin star.
In 1990, Rhodes returned to London to lead The Greenhouse restaurant in Mayfair, where he revitalized classic British dishes such as faggots and bread and butter pudding. The Greenhouse was awarded a Michelin star in 1996. Between 1997 and 1998, he launched City Rhodes and Rhodes in the Square in London through a collaboration with the international contract catering firm Sodexo. This partnership expanded with the opening of Rhodes & Co brasseries located in Manchester, Edinburgh, and Crawley.
After closing City Rhodes and Rhodes in the Square in 2003, Rhodes introduced Rhodes Twenty Four at Tower 42 in London. Focused on achieving Michelin recognition and attracting loyal patrons, the restaurant earned a Michelin star in 2005 and maintained it until its closure in 2014.
His ventures also included Arcadian Rhodes aboard the P&O cruise ship MS Arcadia, Rhodes W1 within The Cumberland Hotel in London, and Rhodes Calabash at The Calabash Hotel in Grenada. Additionally, he was a frequent contributor to BBC Good Food magazine.
Rhodes’ television career commenced at age 27 with Glynn Christian’s series Hot Chefs, which led to BBC productions like Rhodes Around Britain (1994) and Gary's Rhodes' Perfect Christmas (1998). In 1999, he presented Gary Rhodes' New British Classics, a series that revived traditional British recipes alongside an accompanying cookbook. He also hosted the original version of MasterChef USA on PBS from 2000 to 2001.
He fronted culinary travel documentaries such as Rhodes Across India and Rhodes Across China, exploring diverse international cuisines alongside his apprentices and sous chefs.
During the late 1990s, Rhodes endorsed Tate & Lyle sugar products and engaged in promotional campaigns for Flora UK, including television commercials for Flora margarine.
In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2006. That same year, he competed on BBC’s Great British Menu, representing the South of England region. His media appearances extended to BBC Two’s comedic game show Shooting Stars and participation in the sixth season of Strictly Come Dancing, where he finished fourteenth.
In 2011, Rhodes moved to Dubai to oversee restaurants such as Rhodes Mezzanine (later renamed Rhodes W1 Dubai) at Grosvenor House Hotel and Rhodes Twenty10 at Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa. In 2013, he opened Rhodes 44 at The St. Regis Hotel in Abu Dhabi. He was an avid supporter of Manchester United F.C.
Death
Rhodes passed away in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 26 November 2019 at the age of 59. According to Rock Oyster Media and Goldfinch TV, he fell ill during a filming session and died shortly thereafter. His family subsequently disclosed that the cause of death was a subdural haematoma, which is commonly associated with head trauma.
Restaurants
- Rhodes W1 (previously known as Rhodes Mezzanine) – Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai.
- Rhodes Calabash – The Calabash Hotel, Grenada.
- Rhodes Twenty10 – Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai.
- Rhodes Twenty Four () – Tower 42, London (closed in 2014).
- Rhodes 44 – The St. Regis Hotel, Abu Dhabi (ceased operations in 2014).
- Rhodes W1 () – The Cumberland Hotel, London (closed in 2012).
- Rhodes W1 Brasserie – The Cumberland Hotel, London (closed in 2012).
- Arcadian Rhodes – located aboard the P&O liner MS Arcadia (replaced in 2011).
- Oriana Rhodes – situated on the P&O liner MS Oriana (replaced in 2011).
- Rhodes South – Christchurch Harbour Hotel, Christchurch (closed in 2010).
- Kings Rhodes – Kings Arms Hotel, Christchurch (closed in 2009).
- Rhodes D7 – Dublin (closed in 2009).
- Rhodes in the Square () – London (ceased operations in 2003).
- City Rhodes () – London (closed in 2003).
- Rhodes & Co – Golden Tulip Hotel, Manchester (closed in 2003).
- Rhodes & Co – Jenners Department Store, Edinburgh (closed in 2002).
- Rhodes & Co – Arora Hotel Gatwick, Crawley (closed between 2002 and 2003).
- Rhodes @ the Dome – Plymouth Hoe, Plymouth (ended involvement in 2016).