A Co Armagh – and wider culinary – community has been left shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of renowned chef, entrepreneur and founder of the award-winning Yellow Door deli and catering brand, Simon Dougan – aged just 54.
Simon, who had been a familiar face on the artisan scene for many years, opened up on his battle with pancreatic cancer last year.
“It was out of the blue, I just had a sore back and ended up in hospital for three weeks and thought it was gall stones,” he told the Irish News.
“When they told me that’s not what it was, I thought ‘this is not good news,’” said the 54-year-old, who came originally from Killylea, his family previous owners of the old Huntsman Bar and Lounge.
When he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Simon described it as a “hell of a shock”.
“It’s one of the worst cancers to get and it will kill me….If I get 10 more years I’ll be doing well, but I plan to enjoy things and I can do all the things I want to do.
“I have a purpose to get up every morning.”
Back in September, Simon and his family hosted an afternoon at the Yellow Door Kitchen Garden in aid of NI Pancreatic Cancer – an event that raised thousands for the charity.
Yellow Door, which ran a deli in Portadown up until 2024 started out as a restaurant in Gilford back in 1992, before growing into an award-winning catering company serving food at some of the most significant corporate events in the business calendar.
Yellow Door paid tribute to the man who inspired them all.
In a post on social media, it said: “It’s incredibly hard to say goodbye to someone who filled the air with so much laughter, passion (and small amounts of swearing). Though he’s no longer here in the way we wish, Simon remains with us in the stories we share, the things he taught us and the warmth he has left behind.
“Simon Dougan was a chef like no other: warm, generous, wickedly funny and along with this his determination to feed people the type of food he himself would enjoy: flavoursome, honest, proper plates of food.
“At Yellow Door he built a team reflecting this ethos, championed the very best of Northern Ireland’s food heritage which would later earn him an honorary MBE in 2017.
“Simon never attracted any fuss and he’d probably be annoyed at reading this…but here’s to Simon: the chef, family member, mentor and friend whose legacy lives on in everything he instilled and entrusted to everyone here at Yellow Door.
“Thank-you for your support during this difficult time from everyone in the Yellow Door family.”
Many tributes have been paid from friends, peers and colleagues.
Richhill native Peter Cardwell, a journalist, political advisor and author, described Simon’s loss as “such sad news”.
He said: “Simon was a true gentleman who I got to know well. I was one of the original customers of The Yellow Door when it opened in Bridge Street in Portadown and then later in Woodhouse Street.
“It was such a pleasure when Simon would be the chef at Hillsborough Castle when I worked for Secretary of State James Brokenshire and we would chat and laugh about how (by that stage) I had been a customer of Simon’s for over half my life.
“The Yellow Door was and is such an incredible brand, really good food and excellent service and it is a huge shame that its creator is no longer with us. Simon made a huge difference.”
A former employee commented: “He was a wonderful man and one of the best bosses I’ve ever had the pleasure of working for.”
Stephen Moutray, Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Brough Council, said: “It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Simon Dougan, a much-loved businessman and an inspiring figure within our community.
“His role in shaping our Food Heartland initiative was truly transformative. Simon brought vision, energy and authenticity to the project, helping champion local produce and elevate our reputation as a hub of excellence in food and hospitality.
“On behalf of council, I extend sincere condolences to his family and loved ones at this very difficult time.”
