Bristol restaurateurs and chefs have paid tribute to well known chef Andrew Griffin, who has died at the age of 48.
The chef and owner of popular Gloucester Road restaurant Bomboloni died suddenly on Wednesday, March 27. He leaves wife Sara and children Molly, Nancy, Lily, Chris and Tom.
Andrew and Sara, who celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary last month, opened Bomboloni in 2017 and it was their first business together after several years of working in the kitchens of other top Bristol restaurants including Markwicks in Corn Street, Prego in Henleaze and Tart in Gloucester Road.
Andrew was known as a generous restaurateur and a talented chef. In his private life, he cherished his family.
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In a statement, the family said: “He was a loving husband, father, son, brother and granddad and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
"Many people will be very saddened by this news.”
'His food matched his personality - generous and full-hearted'
Bristol chef Sam Sohn-Rethel said: “Andrew was a great cook and a true old-school chef. What I respected the most about him was that he was totally unconcerned with his own publicity or chasing recognition.
“He was always in the kitchen, on the stoves cooking delicious food that made people happy. His food matched his personality - generous and full-hearted. He will be greatly missed.”
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Dominic Borel of Pasta Loco and Pasta Ripiena said: “A true gent has left us. Andrew was one of the true heroes of hospitality in Bristol.
"We have lost a beautiful and gentle soul.”
Bomboloni will remain open until the close of service on March 30. The restaurant will be closed on Sunday and Monday as usual. The date on which Bomboloni will reopen will be posted on the website in due course.
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