Richard Hughes dead: Norwich's Assembly House TV chef dies aged 63 after long battle with illness

His family confirmed his passing on Sunday (September 1), remembering him as a "kind, funny, generous" man who left a lasting impact on the culinary world.

Hughes, who was a familiar face on local Norfolk TV shows, had been battling a long-term illness for four years and had been receiving treatment for the last 18 months. His final shift in the kitchen was in December 2023, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned decades.

In a heartfelt statement, his wife, Stacia Briggs said: "The Assembly House is overwhelmed by the thousands of messages they have received today. Richard’s influence spreads through kitchens across the world through the hundreds of chefs he mentored. We are so very proud of his work and the kind, funny, generous man he was."

Hughes himself reflected on his love of cooking and the sadness of being unable to return to the kitchen in the months before his death. He wrote: “A lot of my sadness over the last few months has been the fact that I can’t get into my kitchen, that I won’t cook the 2024 Xmas menus I’ve written and I can’t cook the dishes from the Waitrose Magazine’s French classics edition. It’s been my life, and the sadness for me is that I’ve lost that. I love it so much."

He added, “But of course, it’s not just about the food, it never has been. It’s the joy of giving, of looking after people, of giving them respite from their day-to-day, making memories that will last and most importantly, bringing glamour into people’s lives. And it’s working with my family, my very best friends, my very favourite people. What a privilege. I’ve been an incredibly lucky boy.”

The Assembly House said they have set up a table for Hughes at the Grand Hall where people could write a message about him. Ms Briggs said: “As his wife, I feel compelled to tell you this: he would be bloody LOVING all this attention! Ever the showman, he'd have been in his element.

“It breaks my heart he's not here to find out just how special he was to you all: although I hope in his heart he knew it. As a family our pain is unbearable, but we know these messages will be such a comfort to us in the weeks, months and years to come. Thank you, thank you, thank you XX.”

Fans have since paid tribute to him, describing him as “inspirational”. One said: “Just so sad!! He was a clever, lovely inspirational man. He will be sorely missed. He always had time for a word when I saw him. We loved the Lavender House, he made it special, and always made you feel you were important. Thoughts are with his family, R. I.P Richard.”

Another wrote: His talent never dimmed I’m sure his legacy will do him proud. We love the Assembly House welcome he created and will enjoy watching it continue. God bless x.”