Legendary French chef Michel Roux has died aged 79 from lung disease, his family have said. 

Roux died peacefully on Wednesday night, surrounded by his family at home in Bray, Berkshire, after suffering idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, The Caterer reported. 

Roux, and his brother Albert, opened Le Gavroche in London’s Lower Sloane Street in 1967, which later became the country’s first restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars in 1982 – changing the face of the UK’s hospitality industry forever. 

Michel’s son Alain and daughters, Francine and Christine, on behalf of the family released a statement announcing the news, thanking “everyone for their support during his illness”.  

The added: “We are grateful to have shared our lives with this extraordinary man and we’re so proud of all he’s achieved. A humble genius, legendary chef, popular author and charismatic teacher, Michel leaves the world reeling in his wake.

“For many, he was a father figure inspiring all with his insatiable appetite for life and irresistible enthusiasm.

“But above all, we will miss his mischievous sense of fun, his huge, bottomless heart and generosity and kindness that knew no bounds. Michel’s star will shine forever lighting the way for a generation of chefs to follow”.