Goodbye Richard Vines Imprinter of Souls

My wonderful friend of over a decade passed away on 28th April 2025.

Rich’s passing came as a shock to all who knew him. He had signed off from social media for a bit, which wasn’t uncommon. I had hoped he was traveling, doing some consulting work, or planning his next Vines Dines article. Alas, he had been diagnosed with cancer and passed away within a month.

I have tried many times to post on Instagram or finish this article. I trawled through photos and re-read our WhatsApp chats, but I couldn’t bring myself to say goodbye formally. Perhaps it’s denial, by not saying goodbye, maybe my phone might still ping with a “Are you free on XX to meet at Y?” Perhaps it just feels trivial to post about a new recipe when the world has lost a man who helped so many in the industry, and whom many globally were lucky enough to call him a friend.

I urge you to read about his life in the wonderful article David Ellis wrote in the Evening Standard. It captures all the aspects of Richard’s fascinating life: “Richard Vines, Celebrated Restaurant Critic” by David Ellis @DVH_ELLIS.

Rich’s social media feed was filled with the events and parties he attended globally, the diverse friendships he nurtured, friends from his favourite sport F1, acclaimed artists, musicians, singers, dancers, supermodels, chef and restauranteurs. He was known for his global encyclopaedic knowledge of the hospitality industry.

I’ll miss being thought of as trendy and knowing the best spots to eat and drink, all because of his articles, knowledge, and finger on the pulse.

Rich was humble, kind, and quietly confident and he never forgot his roots. He listened more than he spoke and was fair to those he reviewed. He never wielded the power his words carried to destroy a new business or person; instead, he would quietly rally business their way, behind the scenes and often without their knowledge. I admired him for these and many more qualities.

I have contemplated our friendship and replayed our conversations and I wanted to share what I learned from Rich:

What Rich Taught Me:

• Sometimes what’s left unsaid speaks the loudest
• Be disciplined and constantly challenge yourself
• Listen more than you speak
• Cultivate genuine and varied friendships
• Stand by your friends
• Celebrate life and embrace new experiences
• Enjoy life
• Make space for quiet often
• Create lasting memories for others
• Imprint souls with kindness
• And always drink Champagne

Rich quietly impacted many lives, leaving behind cherished memories and a lasting legacy for friends and family alike.

Below are a few photos of us together.

I will miss Rich for being multifaceted, interested and interesting, and above all, for his wonderful friendship.

So, with tears rolling down my cheeks, I would like to say thank you for your friendship, I am blessed, like so many globally, to feel the imprint of sadness, your passing has left on our souls.