The Russian chef was found dead in a hotel in Belgrade, according to news reports.
A post on the restaurant’s Instagram account confirmed the news, saying: “To us, Alexei was not only a colleague but also a friend, a close companion with whom we shared many experiences — good, kind, and at times sorrowful.
“We are profoundly grateful for the kind words we have received today in Alexei’s memory. We share this painful loss with you.
“The entire ZIMA team extends our heartfelt condolences to Alexei’s family and mourns alongside them.”
Zimin served as deputy editor-in-chief of Afisha magazine, founded Afisha.Food, and was also as editor-in-chief of Afisha World, GQ, and Gourmet and founded food magazine Eda.
He also hosted several culinary shows, authored numerous books, and launched a number of restaurants, including ZIMA, which he opened in London 2016, and Ragout, Moscow’s first chef’s table restaurant.
Located in a Soho townhouse, ZIMA celebrates Russian cuisine, serving a modern twist on traditional dishes across its three-storey restaurant.
