'Godfather' of avocado toast chef Bill Granger dies, aged 54

Renowned Australian chef Bill Granger - the "godfather" of avocado toast - has died.

A self-taught cook from Melbourne, Granger became a celebrated global restaurateur and food writer.

He passed away in a London hospital on Christmas Day, aged 54, his wife and three daughters by his side.

"He will be remembered as the 'King of Breakfast', for making unpretentious food into something special filled with sunshine," they said on Instagram.

"He will be deeply missed by all."

Over his 30-year career, Granger published 14 cookbooks, made multiple television cooking shows, and opened more than a dozen restaurants in cities like Sydney, London, Tokyo, and Seoul.

Granger was beloved by diners across the world, but also by his peers.

"I'm heartbroken to hear this. So cruel," food author and TV chef Nigella Lawson wrote on Instagram.

Meanwhile campaigner and culinary legend Jamie Oliver paid tribute to Granger as "a wonderful human" and a "kind, calm soul".

"I admired everything he represented in food," he wrote on Instagram.

Granger's cause of death has not been made public.