Russian TV Chef and London Restaurateur Dies in Belgrade Hotel

A Russian television chef, known for operating a restaurant in central London, has been found deceased in Serbia. Alexei Zimin, 52, was recognized as an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2014 invasion of Crimea. He had spent his final years living in exile in the UK. The 52-year-old previously hosted a cookery program on the Russian NTV channel. This show was canceled after he posted anti-war messages on social media following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Serbian authorities informed the BBC that there were “no suspicious circumstances” related to his death, and that an autopsy and toxicology report are currently underway. Reports from Russian media indicate that Mr. Zimin was discovered dead in a hotel room in Belgrade. He had traveled to the Serbian capital to promote his new book about Britain, titled Anglomania. Katerina Ternovskaya, co-owner of the restaurant where Zimin had presented his book and prepared food, stated that people were “in shock,” adding that “the last time we have seen him, he was smiling and in a great mood”. She further commented, “The diner was wonderful and Alexei was very happy.” Zima, Mr. Zimin’s restaurant located in London, confirmed the chef’s death on Instagram. The restaurant’s statement read: “For us, Alexei was not only a colleague, he was our friend, a close person with whom we were lucky to go through a lot – both good, kind and sad.” It continued: “Thank you to everyone for the words we [have received] today about Alexei. We are hurting together with you.” The statement concluded: “The entire Zima team expresses condolences to Alexei’s family and mourns together with them.” According to Mr. Zimin’s website, Anglomania, a book written in Russian, explores how “modern ideas about democracy, freedom of speech, human rights, capitalism with an inhuman face and socialism with a human face, science, literature, Christmas turkey and afternoon tea” originate from the UK. In May 2022, he informed the BBC that his restaurant had been subjected to abuse and arson threats subsequent to Russia’s invasion. He remarked, “My partners thought about changing the name.” Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.