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Published Autumn 2010 The Newsletter of The Savoy Gastronomes • www.savoygastronomes.com

FOUNDED IN 1971 • DELIVERING THE NEWS THAT MATTERS • PUBLISHED IN LONDON FOR THE WORLD

Andrew Natale SALUTING SHANGHAI Farquharson Rusconi is A GASTRONOMES VISIT TO EXPO 2010 M.V.O. President The granting of membership of the 2010/11 - The incredible pace of change culminated in the success of Shanghai Expo 2010. There are now five new Royal Victorian Order is in the see page 2 tunnels running under the Huangpu River, three additional bridges and a massively improved metro system. personal gift of the Sovereign and it That’s apart from acres of freshly created green space and, of course, some fabulous new hotels. is therefore huge congratulations we Tyrie leaves the extend to Gastronome Andrew Farquharson on receiving this Eton Collection rolling out great talent. The perfect Honour recently. Having created the Eton Collection trading partner and place to study. just ten years ago past President Andrew was in charge of the Her Peter Tyrie , who sold the company Belgium , according to its pavilion, is Majesty’s entertaining for ten years the home of perfection in chocolate before joining The Prince of Wales in 2007, has stood down from the making. Godiva had a very strong at Clarence House as Deputy company and is taking a little time off brand presence. Lovely pictures Master of the Household in for reflection. This meant that he could portraying the country as a green February 2006. participate in the reunion in Rapallo – and pleasant place to live, perhaps a coast line he has often sailed, but Recently Andrew has been in Doha in some ways rather old fashioned, sadly his partner Uruguayan born yet the exhibit offered a glimpse into advising the Ruling family on hospitality matters and hopes to Catherine Coates had to stay behind a modern future with the world’s first in England on family watch duty. solar-powered car (I’m not quite sure return to that part of the world. it would fit into my garage, however). Volcanic Ash Our own UK Pavilion, where Lewis Tree planting Delay Leads to Hamilton of F1 fame is said to have We are delighted to announce that been truly moved by our innovation we have permission to plant a tree in European with the Seed Cathedral. First of all, I Mark Norris the Embankment Gardens in Adventure by hugely appreciate the warm front of the Savoy’s River Entrance to in Shanghai hospitality that we were given - true commemorate our 40 th Anniversary. Terry Foremen British style – however, I do question We plan to make a little event out of Following the successful AGM and The Expo theme – ‘Better City, Better and China. One cannot help but whether the majority of visitors the this in 2011 and further details will Reunion this year in Rapallo, several Life’ is clever. Of course this has been wonder what Londoners will be world over will share Lewis’ and my be sent out once our plans are firm. Gastronomes and their guests decided China’s chance to showcase saying about the 2012 Olympics a enthusiasm for an exhibition clearly to stay an extra day to enjoy the town Shanghai. However, there is far more few years hence. developed from the right (i.e. logical) on their own. The following day, when to Shanghai Expo 2010 than Sino Perhaps I should share my own side of the brain. When other Service of arriving at Genoa airport, they found all self-promotion. experience visiting three of the Expo countries were pushing messages of flights back to the UK cancelled due to heritage, cuisine, climate and Thanksgiving the volcanic eruption in Iceland. For those of us lucky enough to go, exhibitions. Sadly, due to queues resources what was our story? Fortunately Natale Rusconi had a the message Shanghai invites us to estimated to be in excess of three Another commemorative occasion th contact at the Sheraton at the Genoa take back seems to be more about a hours, a visit to the China Pavilion Well, the stand is undoubtedly very will be held in 2011 to mark our 40 Anniversary at the Queen’s Chapel Airport, and called to alert him that global ‘we’ than an inward-looking, was not viable. That was a great clever: an open and undulating of the Savoy. This Chapel will have there might be a travel problem for his territorial ‘us’. This World’s Fair disappointment as I had very much space made of grey astro turf poignant memories for some fellow Gastronomes. He was assured hoped to experience China’s vision surrounding the famed acrylic ‘Seed brilliantly enables the visitor, whether members who have been married that the Sheraton would help in any for the future, particularly in the Cathedral’ fashioned out of rods an overseas dignitary, tourist or one there. The Chaplain, The Reverend way possible. provinces, first hand. So I must issue containing little seeds from different of the millions of inhabitants of Professor Peter Galloway, O.B.E., a serious warning to London 2012 plants. Seeds? The source of all living Although some of the party decided to mainland China, to visualise and has graciously given us permission to organisers: unless all entry things! Hmm. Was it symbolising the return via Paris, Cheryl and I decided to understand the value that ‘great cities’ hold a Service there, and we are arrangements are thoroughly thought UK as a place of unpredictable relax and enjoy the journey home, – as a collective — bring to society. planning an uplifting occasion which spending two nights at the Sheraton. But in doing so, Shanghai positions through and planned, we seriously winds and weather where we risk another Millennium Dome we hope will be attended by many The staff were welcoming and itself as an essential part of the treasure the opportunity to get Members, their friends and those disaster. The over-riding experience accommodated us in a suite. The global jigsaw, with every right to be outside? In fact, I think we could do who have been associated with us. should not be tainted by the lack of Assistant Manager introduced us to the proud. better, and I only hope that for 2012, The date and format of the occasion organisation. So to the three British Airways crew, who kept us well the legacy will not be ‘Better city, yes, will be advised in due course. If any informed of flight news. At dinner in the I was delighted to see great strides exhibitions we visited: but we could have done better ’. towards liberalism in a country Member would like to put forward hotel’s restaurant, we had a wonderful hobbled by a reputation for restricting As far as Shanghai goes, I think Expo any suggestions please send them to surprise - the extremely helpful and The Polish Pavilion had a very clear friendly waiter told us he had learned freedom of expression, particularly will serve it well. Greener, better Jim Sarton jim@dedhamhall. theme: lovely country, landscape, demon.co.uk his well spoken English while working at through the availability of free content heritage and a proud people, the understood and with a bright future ahead. Roll on 2012! The Savoy! Lorenzo spent two years on the internet. Naturally, there was driving force for the future, brought working in Private Rooms and the Grill. plenty of information about the into the 21st century by EU Submitted by Gastronome Mark Lanson On Friday, the hotel’s shuttle took us to benefits of the Expo to both Shanghai membership. Fabulous education Norris the centre of Genoa for additional International sightseeing. Members’ dinner at Brooks’s Friday 20th November 2009 The Savoy Gastronomes is indebted to Paul Beavis, Managing Director of By Saturday it became obvious that it was not going to be possible to fly We do not think there are many Room, looked down upon by a pair Lanson International and back to Gatwick, so we rented the last amicales that have the very good of pictures depicting groups of available car from Avis – a bright fortune to be able to offer to their Dilettanti by Joshua Reynolds. orange Ford Ka. After a drive north Members such a rich opportunity of An Assiette of Cured Fish, followed through the Mont Blanc tunnel, we dining in private clubs such as by delicious Roast Partridge, Black spent the night at Mâcon, in southern Brooks’s. So it was with a fair amount Velvet Cream and Welsh Rarebit was Burgundy. An excellent Burgundian of anticipation for most members that the order of the day. Graham then dinner was enjoyed at Le Poisson d’Or we gathered behind the 1776 gave an illuminating potted history of on the banks of the River Saône façade of Brooks’s in St James’s the club. We are greatly in his debt (www.lepoissondor. com). Sunday was spent driving north through rural France Street. Here, through the kind for giving us such a great privilege to Champagne Besserat Bellefon in to arrive in Calais by early evening, in intervention of Martin Harvey , we dine at Brooks’s but the tragic London (telephone 020 7499 0070) time for a meal at La Mer Restaurant were greeted with glasses of accident that befell June Johnston for his generous support of (www.resaurant-lamer.com) which Champagne Besserat Bellefon and that afternoon cast a long shadow The Savoy Gastronomes. offered everything that a seafood lover by Graham Snell , Secretary. We over the proceedings. www.lansoninternational.com could want! After returning the car to dined in the historic Subscription Avis on Monday, we managed to board the P&O Ferry to Dover. Getting Important diary date 2011 – Please put Monday 7th March 2011 in the diary as the evening of the 40 th Anniversary back to the UK had become an Annual Reunion Dinner which will be held at The Savoy, through the great co-operation of Kiaran W. MacDonald, General Manager enjoyable extended holiday, rather than and his team. Plans are being formulated and details will be announced in due course. a traumatic escape.

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and practice in the kitchen, Natale’s Orient Express Hotels) and the French banking dynasty: “Karim, like Picot still parents did not think he would devoted leadership of Natale, the off- so many others, has been caught in a become an hotelier because he was the-beaten path hotel would become cyclical downturn more severe than on the road very shy as a boy. Instead, they more and more famous eventually any we have seen in Europe since the Former General Manager of the encouraged him to continue studying becoming No 1 hotel in the world. end of World War II.” Kuwait Hilton, The King and to get a university degree, which Natale’s gracious style and Edward in Toronto, the The humiliation was particularly painful he later earned in Latin literature and unparalleled skills at the very highest Meridians in Sydney and because the Aga Khan, had long history. level made his name and that of the Piccadilly and long time and been regarded as a conscientious and Cipriani famous worldwide. This almost forgotten inhabitant of a 12th After earning his doctorate, Natale still sober-sided businessman. Unlike his company would grow at its zenith into floor office at 166 High Holborn, had to choose what to do with his life playboy father, best known in the West forty nine de-luxe leisure properties in now GM of the Jumeirah and it was then that he decided to for marrying actress Rita twenty five countries. Most of the Carlton Tower, Derek Picot could become an hotelier. He accepted a Hayworth, the Harvard-educated properties were owned but some not make the annual reunion as he “stage” at the Savoy where he worked Aga Khan kept a low-key image while were partly owned. Its hotels, was on a USA travel industry road for a year in many different restaurants, river cruise ships and raising Thoroughbred racehorses and show. Derek’s colourful career departments including of course the tourist trains competed in the top end amassing holdings that include resorts, includes being blown up in Kuwait Reception Office. of the market. In the UK, the train newspapers and airlines. He spends just prior to the first Gulf war! most of his time overseeing a personal After this happy time he returned to operator GNER was run by However, his literary legacy is secretariat outside Paris that manages Milan because his Mother had told Christopher Garnett, which The “Hotel Reservations” in which his Ismaili religious foundation and its him the hotel would eventually Gastronomes sampled in First he spilt many other people’s beans. 16,000 worldwide employees. The become his. He stayed in Milan for Class comfort en-route to the annual In this anecdotal colourful tome, philanthropies fund dozens of clinics, five years and helped transform and reunion in Edinburgh, was published in the last millennia, he Natale orphanages and schools controlled by up-grade the hotel from a third-class representative of the style of the whole recounts and relishes the cadences his followers in Asia, Africa and the establishment. However in 1959 he Sea Containers group. Independent of the English language to their Rusconi Middle East. became fed up and left. assessors said GNER was a “beacon extremity. President of excellence” for the way it managed The Aga Khan’s business empire “I wrote to the Savoy” Natale and motivated its employees. began to wobble in the late 1980s continues, “where I had been before Faster – 2010/11 when the CIGA hotel group embarked in 1954 and they were very happy Early on in his tenure at the Cipriani on a spectacularly ill-timed expansion. when I returned to the Reception Natale was charged with finding faster! For many of the great independent The goal was to build on its world- Not content with having cracked the Office. “I arrived and they told me, Mr other properties for Sea Containers hoteliers, the story is the same – they famous string of luxury hotels such as London Marathon twice at Rusconi, you were probably treated that would fit into the expanding are born to hotelier parents and the Grand in Rome and the Danieli in commendable speeds, (4.03 hours) too well as a trainee, now you are No group. His success in this field led to reared in hotels. So it goes with Venice. Just as the global economy General Manager of 3 in Reception. You mustn’t be seen by the transformation of the Villa San Natale, widely acknowledged as one was about to falter, Prince Karim Threadneedle’s Hotel, in the City of any clients!” Through hard work Michele perched on the hills outside of the greatest hoteliers in the world. began piling up debt to pay for costly London, Julian Payne pounded Natale rose eventually through the Florence, and the Hotel Splendido The Savoy Gastronomes are indeed renovations and the purchase of more his way round the gruelling New ranks but his Father suggested that he in Portofino, amongst others, into already hugely grateful to him and his than a dozen new hostelries, including York Marathon in November at a should return to Italy once more. So the Orient Express family. For a while wife Connie, for being so generous Natalie ran all three but spent most of the Palace in Madrid. Banks remained great time of 4.28. The proceeds of back Natale went and, after a short his stirling efforts went to his with their lavish hospitality when he his time at the Cipriani. Natale eager to put up the money because time in Sicily, ended up in Milan as nominated Charity - Children with was Managing Director of the recognises wholeheartedly the CIGA could pledge real estate worth General Manager of the Hotel Piano. Leukemia. His next target is the iconic Cipriani in Venice. Now in devoted support of his wife Connie, more than $1 billion as collateral. “ I started to work with him, and he Berlin marathon in September. An retirement we welcome him as our who “always followed me with “This was a very hot company,” says a th said Natalino, you are going to be my easier challenge was to be for Julian President for this 40 anniversary year. patience and love.” In his retirement London banker. General Manager but between you and his family, skiing on holiday in But Natale’s story is no ordinary tale Natale is much sought after as a and me I am going to supervise the Then wave after wave of mishaps Davos in February, whilst Payne because after five years of working in consultant and he can now happily hotel and you are only going to take struck the now overleveraged firm. The Senior was spotted decidedly off- his parents’ hotel in Milan he left. “I devote more time to his family and care of the restaurant.” It was an world recession hobbled tourism, just piste at Suvretta House in St couldn’t stand it any longer” he says. grandchildren. He plans to spend My Mother was very difficult. We impossible situation. So there again I as Italy — the home of most CIGA Moritz. left. Natale wanted nothing more but more time walking and particularly to hotels — was hit by scandals that learn from the errors of our teachers: returning to one of his favourite cities, Members’ only our parents.” to run his own hotel, but his Mother toppled several governments. Officials had sold the management of the London, where he feels very much at devalued the lira nearly 50%, which dinner Friday Natale indeed learned by working for family hotel so Natale joined CIGA home. almost doubled the cost of repaying November 5th his parents, but his decision to leave Head Office in Venice in 1960 at a Editorial note: CIGA hotels traces its CIGA’s $670 million debt. Property would take him to the Savoy, a place 2010 time when that company was heritage to Compagnia Italiana values plunged, eating away at the he credits in grounding his career as This will be held at the ROYAL expanding. After “suffering” there for Grandi Alberghi (CIGA), founded in collateral of CIGA’s creditors, and the an hotelier. It was there that he went COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS 11 three years Natale was able to move 1906, owner of some of Italy’s most war in the gulf deflated what was left from behind the scenes under the stairs St Andrew’s Place London NW1 into the Gritti Palace as Resident renowned luxury hotels, including the of the 1980s travel boom. Many of in the Reception office, to the kitchens 4LE Telephone 020 7935 1174 Manager in 1963. During his five Hotel Danieli in Venice, the Grand CIGA‘s hotels emptied virtually and restaurant. Those experiences www.rcplondon.ac.uk The Royal years there he built key relationships Hotel in Florence and The overnight. “They were good guys, would prove valuable to him later in College of Physicians is the oldest and truly learnt how to be a Manager. Excelsior in Rome. In 1985, really,” says the London banker. “But life at the Cipriani and to being and most prestigious English medical Eventually he became General Prince Karim Aga Khan acquired the problem was they had no way to nominated by his peers as the 2007 foundation, incorporated by Royal Manager but not before a stint in a controlling interest in CIGA and make money from the hotels despite Independent Hotelier of the Charter in 1518. We shall have a Naples as Joint General Manager began to expand the company’s the high prices they were charging.” guided tour relating to eminent Year. of the Excelsior and another in luxury hotel portfolio beyond Italy, The Aga Khan, who had always been physician Sir Hans Sloane (who Rome as General Manager of the Natalie’s Grandfather on his Mother’s most notably with purchases in Spain something of a loner on the clubby invented drinking chocolate and, Grand Hotel. CIGA hotels was side was the catalyst for his family’s and Austria. CIGA later expanded in Italian business scene, lacked financial amongst other things, has Sloane sold in 1969, a year after Natale entrée into the hotel world – he made geographic focus to include alliances within the country and had Square named after him) followed moved to the Grand. He did not like his living buying old buildings and legendary properties in Sardinia, nowhere to turn for help. His long time by dinner. There are a plethora of the new management and in late transforming them into hotels. His last including Hotel Cala di Volpe, friend Fiat chairman Giovanni medical artefacts to be seen going 1972 was “transferred in disgrace” project, the Hotel Argentina in Hotel Pitrizza and Hotel Agnelli was preoccupied with the back to the 16th century and the back to the Gritti where the staff Milan was left to his daughter – Romazzino. In 1994, Starwood financial woes of his own scandal- library is magnificent. Do join us in were delighted to see him and he Natale’s Mother – who was just a Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. tainted automotive empire. the dramatic interior spaces of one teenager. Because she couldn’t stayed another few years honing his acquired CIGA and created The of London's most important post-war manage it, she and her Mother rented skills until being transferred to Paris in Luxury Collection designed to be the In a desperate effort to pare down the Grade 1 buildings designed by Sir the hotel to a group of men, one of 1976 to oversee the three newly world’s most renowned assemblage debt, Fimpar, the Aga Khan’s holding Denys Lasdun in 1964. We are most whom would eventually buy out his purchased hotels, the Grand Hotel of hotels and resorts. Raising cash was company, planned to raise $200 fortunate to be allowed to hold our partner, marry Rusconi’s Mother, and and the Café de Paris, the no problem for the Aga Khan’s million on the Milan stock exchange. dinner there and extend our grateful run the hotel with her. Prince de Galles and the illustrious grandfather, Sultan Sir But the Gulf War scared off investors, thanks to Clive Ostler, General Meurice. Natale was there only a and the plans had to be dropped. Natalie was born there, at the hotel in Mahomed Shah Aga Khan. He Manager and his team together with short time before CIGA sold the hotels Finally, the Aga Khan hired Goldman Milan in 1926, and grew up under simply let followers hoist his 243lb. Executive Chef David in 1977. Natale was transferred once Sachs to sell off some of CIGA’‘s the supervision of a nanny because his frame onto a scale and then match his Summerell, who worked in the again back to Head Office where he lesser hotels in hopes of raising Mother was so busy working in the weight in diamonds or gold — a quaint Savoy Restaurant kitchens was not happy without an hotel to run. roughly $175 million to repay loans hotel. He was sent to the Swiss School practice that lapsed long ago. The under Maitre Chef de Cuisine and stem losses. One of the few where he learned German at a young His next move would turn out to be his present Aga Khan, Prince Karim, Silvino Trompetto M.B.E. buyers that stepped forward was Situr, age, because his parents wanted a final. His neighbour in Venice retains the reverence that goes with his Further details will be sent out shortly. an Italian property group, but before son who could speak languages. To happened to be the administration heritage: he is the spiritual leader of a deal could be struck, Situr alleged Generous further Natale’s German skills he was manager of the Cipriani, which had the 15 million Ismaili Muslims, who that CIGA’s books contained serious packed off to Bern. So during the just been purchased from the regard him as a direct descendant of raffle prize irregularities and dropped out of the summer “instead of going to the Guiness family, by James the prophet Muhammad. But even donors negotiations. beach I was in Bern.” Sherwood of Sea Containers Inc. though Prince Karim has long been We are most grateful to everyone ranked as one of the world’s richest who donated so generously with Another part of growing up in an hotel His neighbour suggested that he Shares of CIGA remained frozen on should meet Mr Sherwood and the men, his financial clout suddenly seems the Milan stock exchange as the hotel gifts or vouchers to make the raffle was being in constant touch with less princely: a group of his banks and such fun and to help swell our members of the staff. “We had a very rest, as they say, is history. As company reported losses of $173 Managing Director of the Cipriani, creditors seized the crown jewel of his million for 1992. Yet because he deftly coffers. Prizes ranged from dinner for good cook in Milan” Natale recalls business empire, the CIGA hotel chain, two in New York at the Trump Tower and I competed with him. It was quite Natale was finally able to fulfil his life- avoided putting any of his private time ambition. Natalie found an hotel which ran some of Europe’s most fortune of about $1.4 billion on the line donated by Suzie Mills, to a amusing at my young age – he was palatial lodgings. which had not seen any investment for to bail out CIGA, Prince Karim remains round of golf at The Grove donated doing it his professional way and I by Committee member many years and “was a shambles.” The setback left business leaders and one of the world’s richest men. He may Victoria was doing it the way my Grandmother Smalley. taught me. However thanks to the on-going jet-setters abuzz over the billionaire’s thus become the first in his line to be in investment of Sea Containers (a misfortunes. Says Baron Edmond financial trouble despite being worth And yet despite his language study subsidiary of which would become de Rothschild, patriarch of the his weight in diamonds!

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39TH ANNUAL REUNION Looki Roll over 10th–14th April 2010 in Rapallo looki Royston Secretary Anna Coakley left her Monday 12th dawned with partially Rapallo Essex roots and has moved to cloudy skies and a stiff wind as we This is the catchy title of Graham Royston in Hertfordshire. Walks in the made our way to join our chartered Bamford’s wonderful DVD on the countryside, shopping trips in launch to visit the UNESCO World whole trip to Rapallo which he Cambridge and being close to all the Heritage Site, The Cinque Terre 65 compiled with great skill on the family seem to have ticked most of kms away. This rugged portion of cutting room floor, so as to speak, on the boxes. When not in the pastures coast and comprises five villages: his return. If you have not ordered a of Royston Anna clocks up the train Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, copy please do so as it is a very fine miles visiting her offices in Leeds Corniglia, Manarola, and and amusing souvenir of this staying in the rather functional City Riomaggiore. The coastline, the five memorable occasion. Contact Inn. villages, and the surrounding hillsides Graham on graham.bamford are all part of the Cinque Terre @royalgarden-hotel.co.uk National Park. Tax tax The Cinque Terre is noted for its beauty. Over centuries, people have Not so tax! carefully built terraces on the rugged, Not content with his Barclays bike steep landscape right up to the cliffs Bonny scheme flamboyant Mayor of that overlook the sea. Part of its London, Boris Johnson, has his sights charm is the lack of visible “modern” Once again much pre-trip planning were waiting for us. Mr Mapelli, an Banks of set on the hospitality industry and development. Paths, trains and boats had gone into this exciting four day old friend of Natale and Connie word is that we’ll soon have a hotel connect the villages, and cars cannot Loch series of events that had entailed a visit Rusconi, has created the most development tax to pay for the reach it from the outside. This to the charming water-front city of spectacular location for special Crossrail scheme running from extraordinary centuries old hill-side Lomond Rapallo in 2009 with Michael occasions. We had the run of the Maidenhead in the west to Stratford site called for very sturdy footwear as This world class golf club has been Bentley, Tony Giacomin and Ian whole estate, Champagne in hand, in the east. It’s not that long ago put up for sale by its owners the and June Johnston (where they to wander through the gardens prior when hoteliers were encouraged to Lloyds Banking Group where until spent their honeymoon fifty-one years to our spectacular dinner. However build hotels with a grant of £1,000 recently Gastronome Knut Wylde before) checking out some of the the inevitable Annual General per room! has been in charge, taking over from locations in advance. June’s desire was Meeting took only a minimum of time another Gastronome who helped put to make this Reunion truly special and and we returned to our guests on the it on the map Keith Williams, now it was a tragedy that she was not with terrace overlooking the sea and also to be found in Hong Kong. Unlucky us. Arrangements were co-ordinated to admire the three hundred year old I understand there is a stand off by Natale and Connie Rusconi wisteria that was in full bloom. The between Lloyds and the club members for some to ensure that the best possible times 39th Annual Reunion Dinner kicked off – which include City bankers and Kaspar the cat will undoubtedly return were had by all. Flying into Genoa, with Grace said by Linzi Smith executives – who fear that a sale to the Savoy and make up the only half an hour away made Rapallo (one of June and Ian Johnston’s would reduce the value of their numbers again beyond unlucky 13 if an excellent choice of destination with daughters). A delicious four course debentures by opening up the course needed. This goes back to 1898, transfers to our hotels, the Bristol and dinner followed and finally we to the public. However there is a when a party of 13 men had dinner Miramere, laid on. reached the final touch of the evening happy ending to this story as I hear that at the Savoy. One of them dismissed which was to sample minature bottles We kicked off with a Welcome Knut left Loch Lomond after three the notion that the first to leave would of home made Grappa produced by Prosecco-charged Reception under a happy years at the end of August. He suffer ill fortune. A few weeks later, he Michael and Christine palm tree on the sea front and typical has moved as Director of Operations was shot dead in his office in Holland, labelled especially for The Italian style dinner at a local informal to the St Pancras Hotel London. Johannesburg. Savoy Gastronomes. Thank you restaurant to catch up with old friends. Knut, his wife Imina and their two little Michael and Christine for this nice Some Members had travelled from as girls are excited about moving back to touch. far afield as Chicago and Israel. It London. Duffell to was very nice to have Anders and The traditional Toast to Absent retire on 31st Tina Haggbom with us from Gastronomes was read by Claire The hotel will be managed by Sweden. They had driven all the way Austin and included many messages we made our way up some steep Renaissance Hotels and will be their December stopping off to visit some friends en- from far away Members including paths. We stopped for a casual European Flagship. After a major 2010 – finally route. Rosie and David Wardle, lunch at a local fish restaurant and restoration in conjunction with English With about ninety days to go Andrew Hirst President 2007, Sunday 11th was a day at leisure with returned to Rapallo by coach after Heritage this Grade I listed building Chicago-based Founder Member Julian Payne Jnr, Mark some members venturing to charming another fascinating day. Dinner was dating from 1868 will open its doors Michael Duffell cannot wait to Norris, Herbert Streissnig Portofino by public boat and arranged at a local Pizza restaurant, again in March 2011, seventy-five call it a day and have some time for President 1995, Derek Picot stopping off at Santa Margherita on in Rapallo. years since closing when it was the himself. I suspect this might mean a President 1990, Bruno the way. Some Gastronomes thought Tuesday 13th arrived all too soon but Midland Grand St Pancras. little more time at Wilmette Golf Club Kilchman, Gerard Van der they had spotted the £17m 62 metre coaches had been arranged for a There are some very fine architectural and at their home in Palm Beach Veen, Andrew Barham, Anna yacht, Blue Lagoon, belonging to the full day tour to Genoa with a stop for features in this building, inside and Gardens, Florida. Meanwhile his wife Coakley. David Ward, John former Formula One boss Flavio lunch at an excellent water-front out. Gisela was spotted amidst the Iversen, Michael Duffell, Briatore, 58, which was subsequently restaurant. Everyone had time to glamour of the Paris collections in July Duncan Palmer and Kirk seized by Italian police, over explore this wonderful City before seeking inspiration for her boss, Her Ritchie. suspicions that he owes up to £3.5m leaving to prepare for our final dinner New Royal Highness Princess Haya in unpaid taxes. Mr Briatore’s wife, To conclude the formalities Victoria at the charming de-luxe Hotel Bint Al Hussein wife of HRH 28 year old “Wonderbra” model Members Smalley burst into verse with Miramare in Santa Margherita. This Sheikh Mohammed Bin was on board with their young son town is the home of Paolo and Carol A warm welcome to Gemma Rashid Al Maktoum. and the crew of 17 when it was “Gastronomes enjoying the Biscioni and although they could not Lawrence and Saurabh boarded by armed police officers Italian Sun be with us as Paolo had just had an Kukreja both in London and Paul Donations along the coast in La Spezia where Wonderful venue for much food operation he sent us warm greetings Merrigan who recently made they found cabins full of designer and fun and a surprise Grappa with his contact with us from Victoria, Australia The Committee acknowledge most furniture and sculptures. Enjoy all the vino compliments at the end of Dinner. gratefully a generous donation from a Send my love to Portofino Member (who wishes to remain Later that day we assembled to Best wishes to Ian and Everyone! The next day it was time to say farewell Spotted! anonymous). If other Members would transfer by small coaches up the for the majority of Members but a few like to follow this fine example and hillside to La Cervara. www.cervara.it A brief opportunity for us to look stayed on only to be caught up in the Marie Koehler seen on the slopes make a donation please contact the a privately owned 18th Century around the Monastery prior to joining volcanic ash debacle and travelling of Australia! (Editorial note: really?) Treasurer Maggi Smit. monastery where the owner our mini-coaches concluded another difficulties. Stefano Leone seen fishing on the Gianenrico Mapelli and his daughter spectacular milestone in the rivers and lakes of the northern Italy Archives Gastronomes’ annals. while taking time out from managing two spa resorts in Livigno. Committee member Victoria Smalley, at the Athenaeum Hotel in Ulrich Schwerr is still residing in Piccadilly, now has care over our New York busy looking after his new archives so if you would like to see twins. them please contact Victoria on [email protected] The Savoy goes social New networking! handbook Those Facebookers and Tweeters Gastronomes should have received among you may have noticed the their copy of the 2010/11 handbook presence of The Savoy with some which was distributed earlier in the tempting photos of the new rooms year. If you have not done so and and confirmations being sent via would like a copy please contact the these channels. Secretary Anna Coakley.

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THE SAVOY GASTRONOMES’ OLIVE BARNETT AWARD 2010 The Savoy Gastronomes’ Olive Barnett Award was created in 1974 by The Savoy Gastronomes to recognise the huge input that Miss Olive Barnett made to training young hoteliers within the Savoy Hotel Company.

Tony Elliott, on behalf of The At the same time, a previous Olive Each year The Savoy Gastronomes’ The principal sponsor, currently The Savoy Gastronomes, worked Barnett Award Winner, Ian Scarth, Olive Barnett Award tests the Savoy Hotel tirelessly since the Award began in who is now a professor at the world entrants in varying ways, including 1974 to organise and ensure that renowned Swiss Hotel School in educational, presentation and The administration and New date for the Award was a great success. In Lausanne (Ecole Hôtelière de people skills. The Panel of Judges organisational skills of Springboard The Savoy recent years, Virginia Masser, Lausanne), was in discussion with is looking for the star of the future, UK The Savoy Gastronomes regarding Gastronomes’ herself a winner in 1993, assisted the person that will use the Award The Savoy Educational Trust, who ways for the school to be more him. to advance their career and continue to provide funds for prize Olive Barnett involved with the hospitality industry personal progress, and in whom money Award Following the sale of The Savoy in the United Kingdom. Ian kindly Olive Barnett would approve. Group, The Savoy Gastronomes agreed to join Anne on the Panel of The Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, presentation The Award goes from strength to Committee voted that the Award Judges, bringing a new educational who provide course places for the The Savoy Gastronomes’ Olive strength, receiving over 100 entries should be re-structured in order to dimension to the Award. The Award finalists Caterer.com who provide Barnett Award finals will be over the every year and attracting over 300 weekend of 23rd - 24th October ensure its continued work in was re-designed and we additional financial support for the people from the hospitality industry with the Finals Reception on Monday developing talent in the industry approached The Savoy Award. Educational Trust to provide throughout the UK to the Finals 25th October 2010 at the Savoy. and its great success. increased prize money for the new Reception, where the Winners are Since 2008, Virginia took over the In 2004 The Savoy Educational Award. announced. It has become a organisation of the Award together Mr A Sovera Trust, who had supported The Olive recognised industry Award, and with Terry Foreman. Log onto We send our condolences to the The Savoy Gastronomes’ Olive The Savoy Gastronomes are justly the website for details of previous family of Mr Sovera who died Barnett Award for many years, Barnett Award is now open to suggested that Springboard UK proud of this great achievement. winners and of the current Award, recently. anyone under the age of 30, in full the guidelines to enter and details should be invited to administer the This would not be possible without time employment in a customer of this year’s wonderful prizes. growing Award and that Dr Anne facing role, in any aspect of the the generous support of the Ina Whitehead www.savoygastronomes.com Tim Whitehead’s wife Ina passed Pierce, the Chief Executive, should hospitality industry, anywhere in the following current partners and away peacefully on May 8th 2010 join the Panel of Judges. United Kingdom. sponsors: surrounded by her family and friends Below are the eight finalists of the 2010 competition and they share with Members why they should be the winner of the after a long courageous battle with prestigious 2010 Award. Melanoma. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Tim and his family.

Marianne Nick Davis Antoinette Brown Nicola London Le Grange Wedding Thistle Sproston Marriott Piccadilly Red Pennyhill Hotel Marble bells The Royal Carnation Park Hotel & Arch Trafalgar by Hotels Spa On Saturday 28th August, in the Thistle lovely Normandy costal town of “I get a ‘buzz’ - a tremendous sense Accreditation with such a “The more I have, the more I can “You can’t beat the buzz you get Villers sur Mer, Tony Elliott married of fulfilment when interacting with prestigious award would be an give. With recently being when a guest thanks you for a Christiane. They met shortly after Tony guests. I live it, breathe it and absolute privilege; there’s always nominated a Springboard wonderful stay and you know that moved to France, both having execute it daily - and it’s ‘the buzz’ more to learn and the training Ambassador, winning The Savoy you played a big part in that. been recently widowed. that drives me forward. Winning this would be a unique opportunity for Gastronomes’ Olive Barnett award Delivering excellence is what it is all award will enable me to further my personal development. The would help me give back so much about and is what I strive to achieve develop my skills and share my award would also serve as a big more to the industry that I have every day in my job at Pennyhill. I learning with industry colleagues ‘thank you’ to all to those who have dedicated my life to and for me believe I have the drive and Smit with with the aim of delivering genuine encouraged and supported me personally, a dream come true.” ambition to succeed in this industry & caring customer service. The the throughout my career. and hopefully to win this award ‘buzz’ is truly contagious.” which would be the most fantastic Stranded career boost for me.” Gentry Lucinda Amy Kate Jannes Creech Indomitable Maggi Smit was Dignon Soeresen London Alec spotted in July manning her own Cameron The Heathrow Stansfeld promotional tent at the Game Fair House Hotel, Connaught Marriott The held this year in the Capability Brown Loch Lomond Hotel Connaught designed grounds of stately home Hotel Ragley Hall, home of the Henry “This prestigious award represents “In the sumptuous world of the th “I truly believe in the warmth and Seymour the 9 Earl of Hertford. all that I stand for and aspire to luxury hotel industry, only the truly honesty of Scottish hospitality and I This was not far from Stratford-on- become while working in the caring, committed and passionate strive for excellence in my role to Avon where Founder Member hospitality industry. Passion for the individual will make the difference, “Born in Spain of English nationality achieve this. It would be such an David Ward opened the Hilton in service, commitment to delight our winning his guests for a lifetime.” and educated in France, I strive to honour to bring the prestige of the the 1970’s. The Fair next year will be guests and responsibility to develop deliver the best from all worlds - Olive Barnett Award 2010 to at Blenheim Palace so Members and mentor talent is my career goal. warm, well mannered service with a Cameron House and Scotland.” wanting to catch up with Maggi and With these traits I look forward to hint of “je ne sais quoi”“. view Blenheim at the same time could being a leader in our industry and make it a fabulous day out. taking hospitality and all that it encompasses to the next level!”

Casper displayed all the insignia of and abroad, before attending the purchased; this was followed in 1977 distinguished oenologist; he continued the worthy patrician: upright carriage, Swiss Mercantile School at London in by the acquisition of the Hotel De La to be an active rider; and had time to impeccable manners, constantly 1946-7, when he worked in the Paix in Geneva, and the Hotel Euler at attend to his many club memberships. correct attire, a finely-chiselled and Savoy Reception Office. Basel in 1980. The hotel chain had He was a member of the Zurich noble face with a high forehead and extended over the Atlantic as long Back in Zurich, he worked at the St. Riding Club, the Lions Club, the alert, kindly eyes. The charisma which ago as 1975. A variety of luxury Gotthard in the first instance, and then Académie Suisse du Vin and projects were implemented in radiated from Caspar emanated from broadened his horizons again by Académie Internationale du Vin. Ecuador, Mexico and Brazil, under a mature and lovable personality, working for Hilton Hotels in the United the name ‘Oro Verde‘. Until 1992, He served for 5 years as a universally and was enhanced yet further by an States from 1948 until 1950. He also Caspar was Chairman of CEM Inter, respected member of the Central impressive career. studied at the eminent Cornell which was entrusted with the Board of the Swiss Hoteliers‘ University, in New York. This equipped Caspar Manz was born on 24 management. Association. As their delegate October 1923 in Zurich, the son of a him outstandingly, in every respect, to representative, he held office for two highly-esteemed family of hoteliers. take over his parents business. In 1989, when he handed over years as a Member of the Federal management of the enterprise to his He passed through primary school Caspar did not merely concern Commission for the Wine Trade. A wife, Ljuba Manz-Lurje, Caspar and commercial college, before himself with the St. Gotthard, the special honour was conferred upon concentrated on professional attending the Hotel College at parent establishment; he also Caspar by the King of Italy, who consultancy and support for the An appreciation of Lausanne. Following this, he expanded his widely known hotel raised him to the order of Cavaliere company. Casper E. Manz completed several practical empire. In 1966, the Hotel Ufficiale del Ordine de San Maurizio who died on 22nd February 2010 experience courses both at home Continental at Lausanne was He was an outstanding and e Lazaro

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An appreciation of Dodie was born in Hampshire and was thrilled to be there and loved Managers and Reception Managers Greenwich being seated next to an had no siblings. She was educated at having her furniture and things around including Claudio Buttafava, Admiral which amused her greatly Dodie Cotter a school near Southampton. At her. After she had been there about 3 Derek Picot , Mark Norris , and was a great supporter of his 10 th March 1915 – sixteen, after leaving school, she years she was mugged near Rudi Schreiner , Roland restaurant Quincy’s spending many 10 th August 2009 worked at the Piccadilly Hotel in Stockwell tube station on her way Linhardt , Duncan Palmer and happy hours there with Maggi, London in the reservations office. home. Her purse was stolen (and a Willy Bauer . She finally left the Robert and Christopher. precious bottle of gin broken) and her She received her first (and possibly Reception Office in 1984. hip and shoulder broken and she She was also friendly with Portugal- only) proposal of marriage from a Mr spent some time in St Thomas’s She moved to the Savoy Coffee based Christopher Stilwell Levy, a rich Jewish client of the hotel, Hospital. When Sir Hugh Department and later to the Archives whose father created Penina Golf but Dodie declined thinking there Wontner , Chairman of the Savoy, which had been set up by Sir Hugh Resort in the 1960’s, Ian and June might be better fish to fry. She was found out he arranged for food to be as the first air-conditioned office in the Johnston , Natale Rusconi , very pretty and found employment at sent to her to St Thomas’s from the Savoy. Here she worked alongside Ricki Walton (who owned a the Savoy. During the Savoy staff Savoy kitchens, much to the delight of the Archivist Peggy Wark, helping to highly successful restaurant in Notting strike in 1947 (when she willingly Dodie but to the annoyance of some catalogue the thousands of artefacts became a waiter in the Grill Room) Hill called “Chez Moi” ), Paolo of the staff and patients. After 3 collected during the life of the hotel she came across Michael Biscioni , Derek Picot . She was weeks in hospital Sir Hugh paid for spanning nearly 100 years. Bentley’s father and years later very fond of David O’Brien , her to go to the Savoy-owned health said to Michael “If you are as nice as Dodie was a huge and generous Richard Lendi and John farm in Hampshire, Forest Mere , to your father we will get on”. She later supporter of The Savoy Iversen and his sister Margaret and recuperate. She was told that she headed to Jersey to work in an hotel, Gastronomes entering into the Michael Holiday . would never walk properly again but through a Savoy client, for two or spirit of every reunion she could with excellent treatment she was soon Dodie was always fastidious about three years. possibly attend. She was elected back on her feet. Maggi Smit , President in 1996 although sadly her appearance. Her beautiful hair Returning to the Savoy Reception who worked alongside Dodie she did not attend her Annual was carefully looked after by Robert Many Gastronomes have such Office in 1952 the Reception upstairs in Reception, became a life- Reunion in Israel due to an accident Wright since 1967 at the Savoy fond memories of Miss Cotter Manager, Mr Michel Michon, was long friend and bought her an on a bus where she broke her arm. Ladies Hairdressing. On the closure that we have tried to piece killed in a car crash in the South of antique walking stick which she of this department she followed him together some of the strings France whilst on holiday and treasured for the rest of her life. On In 1995, just months after the firstly to the Berkeley and Nicholas St John Brooks was leaving Forest Mere Sir Hugh opening of the Channel tunnel, John subsequently to his salon on the top that made up her colourful Iversen arranged a magnificent and full life. promoted to his position. Dodie arranged for her to stay in a modest of The Ritz . lived for many years in Blackheath Savoy guest room for a short time house party weekend in France for As a life-long loyal Savoy member of before moving to Temple Fortune and because of the accident at Dodie at his chateau in Normandy to She continued part-time in the staff she represented a more gracious Lane in North London to share with a Stockwell decided that she would be celebrate her 80 th birthday with Archives until nearing 80 and still post-war era when the hotel had friend of Mr Brooks’. safer in an apartment at York twenty of her close friends. The living in York Buildings until finally more than five hundred rooms all of Buildings just off the Adelphi in 1974. adrenaline surge of being able to put moving to St. Wilfred’s in Tite Street During the course of time in the which were more or less allocated He graciously gave her the flat for your foot down in London and not Chelsea for the last seven years of Reception Office her role evolved. and controlled by Dodie. The jet the rest of her life. This was a really taking it off until you arrived in her life. Her main task was to work out engine was a new phenomenon, charming terraced house owned by Normandy added to the frisson of bookings and availability. She had Dodie converted to Roman telegrams and overseas cables often the Savoy consisting of four flats. Her the occasion. an amazing sixth sense at picking out Catholicism in later life and was a the preferred method of quick neighbours, at that time, were people who wouldn’t turn up. In those She was a great traveller spending communication and confirmation. Barbara Potts and Claudio devout Churchgoer, worshiping at the days all payments were by cheque – many holidays with Maggi visiting Even though Receptionists thought Buttafava . She always wondered Church of Corpus Christi in Maiden there were no credit cards and many South Africa in 1999 and staying they might have something to do with if her flat had been the one occupied Lane, Farm Street and Westminster bookings were via the noisy clattering in Cape Town and the wine region. it, ultimately it was Miss Cotter, previously by the charismatic Cathedral. telex (which was only used after Again with Maggi she had many seated under a brass lamp upstairs, Australian-born Savoy Assistant th 6pm) or telephone and letters. happy visits to Madeira to stay with Dodie died on 10 August 2009 at who had the controlling hand. A General Manager Peter Stafford , devoted subordinate to Reception Confirmations were sent out (with Gastronomes Chico and Eva de the great age of 94. with whom she established a close Silva . The Loire Valley , Venice , Manager Nicholas St John carbon paper copies and fixed with Her well attended Mass of relationship and he adored her. Canada , the Gastronomes Reunion Brooks , in whose honour The paper clips). Dodie worked happily Thanksgiving at the Church of Corpus in Gstaad in 1994, Geneva , Savoy Gastronomes was founded in with Nicholas St. John Brooks and the Dodie loved her first floor flat in York Christi in Maiden Lane, organised by late Gastronome Walter Buildings which she filled with her New York , and Russia all 1971, she worked in Reception until Maggi and Terry Foreman , with Schweinbacher for a number of Mothers’ beautiful furniture and china; featured in her travel itineraries. In she was 70 before going on to the addresses by David Wardle and Coffee Department and later to the years. There were huge monthly the Savoy provided the carpet and Malta she met her friend Lilly when ledgers with binders to keep up to she was very proud of her little roof on holiday after her Mother died. In David O’Brien , gave many Archives as a duck to water. Raw Gastronomes time to reflect with recruits to the Reception Office were date and all correspondence was put garden which was always a splash Venice Dodie stayed with gratitude on having known and learnt greeted warmly but cautiously until into a blue folder at the end of the of colour in an otherwise grey desert. Gastronome Natale Rusconi at from a remarkable lady. A Reception she had summed them up and only week. The Room inventory was In spite of its restricted size many the Cipriani, and in Paris she stayed then did she trust your ability not to coded such as SB = single, TB = twin Gastronomes have been treated to with Gastronome Frank Klein at followed at the Garrick and make a pig’s ear of her allocations. beds, DXB = double bed, DSB = Smoked Salmon canapés and a The Ritz. donations, at her request, were sent to St Wilfred’s. One wife of a Gastronome, who double single and one bath glass of Champagne in this oasis of She made firm friends wherever she worked in the General Manager’s connecting, 2SB = 2 singles and 1 calm. With the use of her bus pass went including the Church of Corpus She was laid to rest in a simple Office recalls her always “walking in bath connecting, DXBSR = double she would happily shop for her ham Christi Maiden Lane. There she met willow coffin and buried in a bed and sitting room, TBSR = twin and bacon at Selfridge’s , her a cloud of Ma Griffe and at first I Maureen who ran a pub in Maiden Woodland Burial ground at West bed with sitting room. coffee from Fortnum’s and her had great difficulty in not calling her Lane and often after Church they Drayton cemetery in West London. meat from Harrods as well as ‘Auntie’ as both the perfume and General Manager Claudio would share a bottle of Champagne purchasing cheese for the many Compiled by Maggi Smit and Dodie herself were just like my Buttafava arranged for Dodie to together. Another close friend was dinner parties she attended. favourite aunt.” Like all of us, she was have the first home of her own next to David Wardle. She attended with friends. held in great affection. the Savoy Laundry in Stockwell. She Dodie worked with many General gusto and alacrity his 21 st birthday in

One lump or two? Our man in Nor on Gastronome In March 1940, at the height of the food before the doors were locked. London Blitz, a communist Councillor in Savoy staff panicked; someone China Park Lane in Hotel the East End of London was so called the police and asked them to David Thornton reports that he It’s not only Lloyd’s that is trying to Opening outraged by the lack of deep shelters in expel the militants. The police refused, recently met up with Gastronome shift some of its assets around as the Rachel Angell has joined the new Stepney whilst “up West the pointing out that the Savoy came Michel Rey of the Baur au For Sale board is also up outside Government’s rich friends were sleeping under the Innkeepers’ Act and opening team of the Dorchester Lac in Zurich, who was Marriott-operated 494 room Collection’s exciting Coworth Park in double beds in their own deep therefore the Stepney people, as Grosvenor House on Park Lane shelters” that he organised a march. bona fide travellers asking for a meal, attending the annual Luxury Travel in Ascot. Heading up the Events had the right to be served. Mr Show which is held in Shanghai hoisted by another state-owned Department Rachel will be helping He set his sights on the Savoy, where Wontner , Managing Director, was where he lives and teaches at the bank Royal Bank of Scotland. It is Coworth Park become one of the most the cellars had indeed been turned a sensible man; he ordered that tea Les Roches Hotel School at their expected to realize between £600 desirable Wedding locations in the into comfortable shelters with bunks for should be served to all the Shanghai Campus. David recently - £700 million. RBS has tried before country. We wish her great success in patrons including the Duke and demonstrators. The occupation ended to off load this hotel in 2007/08 her new challenge . Duchess of Kent. Headed by half a returned from Canada where peacefully, and censorship ensured with a number of Middle East dozen pregnant women, the marchers Maggi Smit sends many clients that newspapers gave the story little quickly occupied the front hall, some on fishing expeditions. David went groups linked to a deal including Moves space. Kuwait’s Adeem and Bahrain’s tied themselves to the pillars; others ran fishing too and apparently finds it a Stefano Leone moves from Bagni ruling families but as yet to no avail. down the stairs to the shelters. A few Submitted by Henry von Ferstel in good way to relax after the hectic di Bormio to Spa Resort in Livigno entered the restaurant and ordered Chicago life in Shanghai. Ollie Ormond is back from the beach in Hawaii working at the On the move Two Gastronomes tie Fairmont Kea Lani; he is joining Ronald in London to open The Savoy in summer in Chicago. For the last 10 Ian Johnston has moved, but not the knot! October as Front Office Manager. far, to 65 Rednal Road, Kings years they were in Montana from Norton, Birmingham B38 8DT Tel: mid-May to late October but, having Felicitacion to Xavier Peirani and Becky Preston who tied the knot Christina Von Celsing moves from 0121 458 1573. sold their house there last year, this on St. George’s Day this year. With an intimate family celebration in Esher, The Dorchester to The Yas Hotel, year they only went for three weeks, unfortunately their request to have Caspar the Cat join them to make a Dubai Von Ferstel’s having rented a wonderful house and table of 14 was declined! He apparently was out chasing the hundreds John Laing moves to The Puli Hotel Henry and Marylou had a wonderful creating closure for them. of mice dislodged by the renovations in the Thames Foyer! summer, trying to get used again to a and Spa in Shanghai .

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An appreciation of engaged in 1957. Ian moved for a President year to the Excelsior Hotel in Naples June Johnston and on his return joined the team at All geed up 1st June 1933 – Claridge’s; they prepared for their 28th November 2009 wedding in April 1959, Entrepreneur and International peaceful equestrian environment honeymooning in Rapallo. June Riding Champion, Jane Cockin where guests can enjoy horses as stayed on at the Savoy until has set up an enviable business in much as she does, either as a Christmas 1959 and left to have their France offering p reparation for beginner or working towards Pony first child in February 1960. Ian had Eventing or Dressage, and Club tests or BHS Stage 1-4 just been appointed General personalised Hacking holidays; all exams. Throughout the year Jane’s Manager of the Royal Crescent hotel managed and delivered by Jane. Écuries de Bérin offer riding lessons in Brighton. He drove to collect June Riding holidays and tuition in La which can include dressage, show and his daughter from the Maternity Vienne, France is a very special jumping, cross country and stable Home in Muswell Hill then took June experience. Jane’s Écuries de Bérin management. All training and out to celebrate over lunch at the De are set in the surroundings of a 300 instruction is given on well schooled Vere Hotel in Kensington, before year old farmhouse where you can ponies and horses. Full livery is eventually motoring on to Brighton. ride by the beautiful Charente River available and Jane also works with and enjoy the charm of the owners to find new horses or This was the first of many moves to surrounding French villages. The ponies for leisure or competition Jane’s Écuries de Bérin new towns where they were strangers peaceful roads and off road grass and often carries out follow up but each time they made time to tracks are wonderful for riding. training, lessons and livery as and make friends whilst they settled in their when required. Bérin also becomes a member of growing family. By their fourth move, Jane’s passion for horses has the FFE, providing a license and A member of Jane’s Écuries de June tragically died following a fall in this time to Birmingham, they had brought her to France to create a insurance to cover their riding. In London prior to attending the three children, one girl and two boys this way, members become eligible Members’ dinner on Friday 20 th with another girl on the way. June’s Tosca, 3 years old, getting to take their federal galop exams. November 2009 at Brooks’s. Her time was taken up looking after the Being a member of Jane’s Écuries used to her stable de Bérin also gives discounted funeral was held on Friday 11 th family and settling into the new rates for riding (see tariffs under December at St Nicolas Church, surroundings. Three years later they Kings Norton attended by a large each main area) and special events moved to Kings Norton, where they organised during the year, e.g. a following of family, friends and many finally settled. Once all the children gymkhana and small competitions. Gastronomes. were in school, June decided to start her own business. Her love of clothes, A non-member will need to We send our condolences to Ian, a short spell in modelling and time organise their own insurance and Linzi, Philip, James and Tamsin and spent helping out in a fashion shop will not be able to benefit from the their families for their loss. June was a prompted her to open her own FFE membership. Also, a non- great supporter of the Amicale and, fashion shop, “Cameo”. With the member will not benefit from the together with her husband Ian, was help of a close friend she ran the discounted rates on offer. planning the Annual Reunion which business successfully for 16 years. subsequently went ahead in Rapallo. Visit Jane on Many members have been fortunate As the children grew up June and Ian http://www.horsemagique.eu/ to get to know Ian and June over the travelled widely but at home her years and we look forward to having interests lay in getting involved with Ian and the family with us at many local associations. Amongst them was future reunions. a Ladies Evening Group, the local tennis club, the Kings Norton Society Summer Reunion Our 40th June was educated at the Convent of and Chairmanship of the the Sacred Heart in Whetstone, Conservatives Supper Club, where Saturday 19th June anniversary North London and moved onto the she coordinated guest speakers. year 2011 London College of Secretaries in 2010 Your committee is currently South Kensington. She joined the June was a devoted Mother and This was the first opportunity for our incoming President Natale Rusconi , and considering a number of events to Savoy in September 1950 as Grandmother to her children and his wife Connie, to enjoy London at its most endearing best. We had established make this a particularly special year Secretary to Reception Manager eight grandchildren and enormous that a private visit to the spiritual home of Royal dressmaker Hardy Amies might so if you have any ideas you would Michel Michon who was soon after fun to be with. Many Gastronomes be possible so we went ahead and enjoyed a morning in this charming house at like to put forward please send them killed in a car crash in Le Touquet will have very fond memories of her. 14 Savile Row. Sadly Wendy Sarton couldn’t be with us. Her Grandmother to the Chairman, Jim Sarton whilst on holiday. Nicholas St John If you knew June and would like to worked in Savile Row turning collars and cuffs, not for Hardy Amies though and [email protected] Jim was in Scotland for a week playing golf with . On arrival Brooks assumed the role as do something in her memory, it was Martin Harvey we were greeted by a spread of delicious pastries and cakes and Austin Mutti- Reception Manager. June’s wish that everyone carry an Mewse, the Curator, and Don Rouse who heads up the Media team for the Annual organ donor card. House of Hardy Amies. We were allowed full access to the large range of Ian joined the Reception office in sketches and archives of Hardy Amies and then shown a most interesting Subscriptions 1955 and he and June became presentation on his life with endorsements from fashion colleagues and clients. If you have not already done so On conclusion we walked a few hundred yards to Shepherds Market to enjoy please let us have your annual an informal flavoursome Turkish lunch at Sofra Restaurant which had been subscription. The very modest amount arranged through the kindness of the owner Huseyin Ozer. of £25 helps to defray some of our From a grateful participant - “thank you both for organising such a splendid day costs; cheques should be sent to the Happy The Queen on Saturday. It was fascinating to hear all about the great Hardy Amies and to Treasurer, Maggi Smit, 4 Paxton ain’t got see some of his creations - I particularly liked the hand-written letters from the Road, London W4 3QX. event Queen and Queen Mother. Sofra was certainly cosy, and it was nice to chat to [email protected] Many congratulations to Andrew no veg! some Gastronomes that I have never met.” and Alison Barham who had It’s not often that we find an amusing their first baby Oliver Matthew Ellis book to suggest but this witty romp by Change of on 27th March weighing 7lbs 4oz in Alan Payne (no relationship to any address old money. Oliver was Christened on Personal Great job Gastronomes) recounts some of the Please let us know if you have 29 th August in Amberley Many congratulations to Torsten pitfalls of outside caterers Payne and Trainer moved. We do like to keep in touch Gloucestershire. Andrew also ran in van Dullemen who, from 18 th Gunter. Payne takes the reader Gastronome Alec White says he’s with our far flung Members in forty the London Marathon and clocked September, can be found as Hotel behind the scenes at many splendid sorry he didn’t make the reunion four countries. Tell the Secretary Anna up a good time in well under five Manager at the wonderful Oriental events from their early days through again this year. He qualified as a Coakley anna.coakley@ hours. Bangkok 48, Oriental Avenue to catering at Buckingham Palace personal trainer a couple of year ago addleshawgoddard.com and the Mansion House. He shares a Bangkok 10500 (+66 (2) 659 and is setting up a new training 9000) e-mail: [email protected] life peppered with memorable studio. Tyrie’s moments, colourful characters and Torsten says “ Although I am very sad Roll on celebrities, including the infamous to leave Udaipur after three-and-a- honour time when Her Majesty was left Robinson half wonderful years, I am relishing Casino magnate Sol Kerzner is still without her greens. An ideal stocking the challenge ahead in Bangkok. It hoping to revive his dream of turning Much to his surprise and delight past filler for Gastronomes looking for moves on will also be a welcome change for the now highly successful London President Peter Tyrie was something at Christmas. The ISBN Alan Robinson has joined Paola and the girls”. Dome (re-christened O2 Arena) into honoured with an M.B.E. in the a super-casino . However plans are number is 978-0-9563117-0-2 Warrington based Taylor Shaw as an (Editor’s note: Paola is the niece of Queen’s Birthday Honours list in www.vigohouse.com Area Manager on hold whilst he sorts out other former GM of the Savoy, Claudio troublesome assets such as a £600 2010. Many congratulations Peter for Mobile: 07595 233351 email: Buttafava) million extension of the Atlantis in your services to the hospitality [email protected] industry. Peter has recently built Dubai. himself an eco friendly house in West Sussex, and remains on the Board of Aberdeen Asset Management.

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THE SAVOY GASTRONOMES New GOLFING SOCIETY venture BEVERLY GRIFFIN MEMORIAL TROPHY Highly successful restaurateurs Chris Corbin and Jeremy King, creators of the Wolseley restaurant in Piccadilly, (where Westminster Council rates are an eye-watering £700,000 per annum) are creating their first hotel in an art deco building in a former Avis building in Balderton Street, Mayfair with estimated costs of £40 million. The as yet unnamed hotel will have 75 rooms and the Council has given the green light. I hear that sculptor Antony Gormley, best known for his “Angel of the North” in Gateshead, has some radical features up his sleeve with an opening scheduled for 2013.

Crown Founder Member Duffell , who does a simply France, assembled, resplendent in Appropriately the Trophy was won splendid job of organising our golf new pink shirts, pink golf caps and by our host Peter Banks; second Tony Elliott reports on days. grey and pink striped long socks, was defending champion, dropping for the serious tournament. Chairman Jim Sarton and third Whist on the subject of European this year’s successful th Our 11 annual meeting was held was Tony Elliott. Crown Princes of non existent thrones, event, named after a in early July at the superb Rudding Gastronome and linguist Michael Park, near Huddersfield, courtesy of The “Longest Drive” was achieved Holiday worked in his early years former General Gastronome member and regular by Christian Duffell with a monster at the Hessischer Hof hotel in Manager of the SGGS player, Peter Banks . The 280 yard drive and “Nearest the Frankfurt , owned by Prince two days commenced with a fun Pin” was Tony Elliott. Champagne Frederick Charles von Hessen . Savoy. speed golf competition on the six Lanson, the main sponsor of The Indeed Claridge’s used to have a Savoy Gastronomes, kindly Founded in 2001 by Tony Elliott hole par 3 course and culminated special room rate for crowned and provided bottles of their delicious and Michael Duffell , the Society with a nearest the pin elimination uncrowned Heads of State. Sir Champagne BESSERAT BELLEFON Hugh Wontner , quite rightly, meets every year to play for the contest. Amid much hilarity, prizes as prizes. thought it was good for business and Beverly Griffin Memorial Trophy were awarded as Pimms was profile for such guests to be under his served on the course. That evening The date and location of the 2012 (BGMT) in memory of the late roof. Ex-King Umberto of Italy Beverly Griffin (Griff), who, as we had a sublime six course dinner Meeting will be announced in due in one of the elegant Rudding Park though preferred The Savoy (Savoy General Manager of the Savoy, course, but do please contact the once being part of Italy) prior to was so instrumental in helping with dining rooms. The following Captain at christianduffell morning the international field, being assassinated! “ Remember to be the foundation of The Savoy @hotmail.com should you require a king all you need to know is how to Gastronomes in the early 70’s. The including Peter Thomas from any further information. South Africa, Michael Duffell sign your name, read a newspaper SGGS Captain and four times and mount a horse “ said Umberto. from Chicago and Tony Elliott from trophy winner, is Christian He might have added “wear body armour”.

Nearly there – Savoy to re-open – date set Republic of China - Fairmont Beijing Centre) has lain dormant, only to In the 1940s, Marbella was a small Typical was a gala held in August and the opening of Fairmont Yang be reawakened this year with much jasmine-lined village with only 900 1998 as a fundraiser at the Cheng Lake, Kunshan I returned to emphasis placed on internal inhabitants. But this soon changed Marbella club for AIDS relief. London in preparation for the most training and development within the when Prince Max Egon zu Prince Alfonso presided, supported anticipated opening of the year. hotel. Growth of our internal Hohenlohe-Langenburg and by the sons of his first marriage to colleagues will be the focus, with his heir Alfonso de Hohenlohe Princess Ira von The scaffolding has come down Westminster Kingsway College experienced a problem with their Fürstenberg , an Agnelli heiress and every morning when I walk also forging a strong relationship Rolls-Royce in the vicinity. This first who arrived with her own over Waterloo Bridge I admire the with The Savoy. Fairmont’s use of encounter with Marbella so entourage; Princess Marie- clean glaze from the River facing the Learning Development Program impressed Alfonso that he decided Louise of Prussia façade. Daily I enter the hotel (LDP) also sees three LDP to buy land commercially, marketing (great-granddaughter of Kaiser kitted out in a hardhat and steel- colleagues in Reception, five in the area as a tourist destination. In Wilhelm II ) who, with her toed boots. It is amazing to see the Rooms Division and eleven 1954 he opened the Marbella husband Count Rudolf “Rudi” hotel coming together and the throughout the hotel. Club Hotel; his son had recently von Schönburg–Glauchau , grandeur returning to the Old Lady. Ronald returned from California and the would eventually take over the The Opening Day – Sunday New team members are joining the hotel was loosely modelled on the Marbella Club Hotel from Prince Dooremalen 10 th October at 10 .10am Rooms Division team with a variety motel style with lower pitched Alfonso; and socialite Countess (10.10.10.10.10) - draws ever of new and familiar faces. Savoy terracotta roofs among 23,000 Gunilla von Bismarck . closer and the clocks that have Gastronomes member Oliver trees. been set and mounted on the walls In 1974 Prince Fahd of Saudi It feels like yesterday Ormond re-joins The Savoy as within our temporary office tick Given Alfonso’s maternal Arabia arrived in town after Front Office Manager after standing in The Savoy’s away. Each day that ticks by brings membership in Spain’s titled having broken the bank of the spending the last 2 years at our Front Hall raising a glass a little more excitement, and little aristocracy (his mother, Doña Casino of Monte Carlo. Until his sister property, The Fairmont Kea longer working hours! I very much Piedad Iturbe y Scholtz, was death in 2005 he was a frequent of Champagne with guests Lani, Maui, Hawaii. and colleagues on 15 th look forward to showing the Marquesa de Belvis de and profitable guest at Marbella, Our President Natale Rusconi’s Gastronomes inside the doors at las Navas ), and his paternal where his retinue of over a December 2007. It was an good friend, Count Rudi von last. kinship to the royal courts of thousand people spending petro- Schonburg-Glauchau’s son Europe, the hotel quickly proved a dollars was welcome, including the historical moment closing Submitted by Member Ronald Frederick (see below ) is joining hit with vacationing members of then-anonymous Osama bin the doors for the first time Dooremalen Director of Rooms – us from Malaga as a Chef de Europe’s ruling elites, and those Laden . The Savoy in the history of The Savoy Brigade. Other members of the privileged to socialise with them in In the eighties, Marbella continued with the anticipation and Front Office team are joining us (Editorial note: Count Rudi von casual yet discreet luxury. Don to be a destination for the jet set, from Germany, Brazil, USA, New Schonburg, joined his friend Jaime de Mora y Aragón , a excitement of what was to with the most recognizable face Zealand, Switzerland, Italy, Prince Alfonso de Spanish bon vivant, brother to being that of Gunilla von come. Thailand, Hungary, and Great Hohenlohe , and took over the Fabiola, Queen of the Bismarck . (Let history recall that Britain. running of the legendary Belgians , Lebanese arms dealer After a year and a half project work Gastronome David Ward Marbella Club in 1956 which Adnan Khashoggi and in Asia, with the re-branding of For more than 25 years the Savoy also had a property there!) became a dignified and stylish Fairmont Singapore, opening Academy (formerly the Training Guenter Rottman , were Fairmont’s first hotel in People’s playground for the rich and famous. frequent visitors.

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Phew New Chairman Threadneedles Conran in Hotel in the Former Monte Carlo based The Committee is delighted to announce that Graham Bamford Gastronome John Grant must be hands of the the City will take over the role as Chairman after the AGM in March 2011. sighing with relief that he is now in the administrators – The Square Mile is to get a new £50 Graham was Secretary of the Amicale between 1982 – 1986 and quieter corner of Cap Martin, next sale opened on million boutique hotel on a site in door, whilst Prince Albert President in November 1987. In that year there was a wonderful Ball Moorgate a few minutes walk from prepares to tie the knot with his long at the Ritz, when Lon Satton, straight from the cast of Starlight 1st September Jim Sarton’s London gateway term girl friend, Charlene Wittstock, a Express, performed in Cabaret; followed by fireworks on the terrace Boutique hotels operator Eton Group station, Liverpool Street. Seventy- former South African Olympic very sadly collapsed into eight year old Sir Terence Conran swimmer. Whilst no date has been overlooking Green Park. Follow Graham’s busy life on his blog at www.royalgardenhotelblog.com administration days after its founder has a 51% stake in the group and set for the wedding she has been Gastronome Peter Tyrie was spotted sporting a monster rock in an hopes to roll out a nation wide chain awarded an M.B.E. in the Queen’s with the first outside London likely to official photograph. Once dubbed Birthday Honours list. “Dirty Bertie” by the red tops, Albert be Birmingham. took the throne in July 2005 after the Peter sold the business, whose hotels death of his Father, having already include Threadneedles in the City, fathered two children by different girl where Gastronome Julian Play it friends. On a less frenzied note John’s Payne remains in charge, in August former employer, SBM’s Chief 2007 to Saudi-based billionaire again Sam Executive Bernard Lambert, has Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber’s JJW decided against getting involved with hotels group for a reported £70 Taking a little time off whilst in London the old In and Out Club premises in million just before the worst of the recently Natale and Connie London’s Piccadilly as a potential credit crisis struck. Rusconi were spotted enjoying themselves amidst the elegance of location for a new hotel. This Grade I The Academy in Bloomsbury and The the Garrick with legendary listed building has been in play since Colonnade in Little Venice are among troubadour of the piano, New York the former (once billionaire) owner, its locations. KPMG were appointed Lebanese Simon Halabi, ran aground as joint administrators to the based “Crown Prince of Cabaret”, on a mountain of debt in 2009. company. None of the 250 Steve Ross. It was a very happy employees has yet been made reunion as Steve had performed redundant and CBRE are the agents. many years previously at the A long Cipriani’s supper club. After an KPMG said: “We are continuing to enjoyable dinner with Natale trade the business while we assess indulging his favourite English dish, haul the position of the hotels. Historically, Incoming Chairman Graham Bamford embarking on a flight in lamb chops, they followed Steve Graham Bamford, General however, they have traded upstairs to the newly acquired Alaska to film a dog-sled on the glacier. successfully and are well-regarded at Manager of the Royal Garden Steinway grand where Steve gave an Hotel, underwent a lengthy back the luxury end of the market so we Milestones of Graham’s career include prestigious hotels such as Claridge’s, impromptu performance of some operation at the London Clinic in are hopeful of securing a successful Gershwin classics to startled but July, where his modest room on the The Carlton Tower, the Park Lane, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park resolution to this situation.” sixth floor cost his insurers £900 a and the Royal Garden. thrilled Members. Steve has a huge The two other Eton Collection hotels - affinity to England following his first night! He recovered well after a long His commitment and dedication to the Hospitality Industry is further supported by 42 The Calls in Leeds and The sell out summer cabaret season at the convalescence at home. his professional activity in numerous industry bodies; He is a Liveryman of the Scotsman in Edinburgh are not Ritz Restaurant in the Worshipful Company of Innholders, became a Master Innholder in affected by the administration 1980’s.Word has it that Steve is 1997 and was a member of their Executive Committee for eight years, although The Glasshouse in going to be invited back in 2011 to personally transforming the General Managers’ Conference into its present day Ly-on the Edinburgh and Quebecs in Leeds perform officially at the Garrick. format. He was Chairman for two years when he led the improved profile of the are. beach St Julian Scholars resulting in a forum where schemes such as Management Mentoring, championed by Harry Murray, and the ‘Inspire’ Work Experience It is not often that we can concoct Did you that headline but Member Richard Kits, subsequently developed by Springboard, were created. know? Lyon has landed a plum job as He served on the Executive Committee of the Reunion des Gastronomes The new “staff restaurant” at the Managing Director of swish hotel for 10 years recently stepping down as President after two years. He is a Savoy is called Deco. and villa resort “The Landings” on the member of the London Committee of the British Hospitality Association idyllic island of St Lucia. Regarded as and was Chairman from 2004. All positions that reflect the respect he enjoys in the jewel of the Caribbean, St. the Industry and beyond. Graduation Lucia is as well known for its dramatic inland topography of Graham was a founder of the AICR UK in 1984; he subsequently founded the Day! rainforest footpaths and ancient International Receptionist of the year competition whilst being International volcanic remnants as it is for its iconic President of the Association. He also administered the St Julian scholarships for 6 oceanic scenery of windswept shores years. and protected bays. If you’re up for He is married to Janet, whom he met at the Savoy, and who is Executive adventure, enjoy some of the world’s best sailing, explore the spectacular Housekeeper at the Lanesborough Hotel. Piton mountains, or hike through the We are all most grateful to Jim Sarton for his careful and professional rain forest. If you get bored - go stewardship of the Amicale; having completed a full maximum permitted six year island hopping. Martinique, the term as Chairman, and to Graham for so willingly stepping into his shoes. Grenadines, Barbados or even visit Gastronome Paul Trevisan in the Bauer’s Domincan Republic. Bentley at Losses and Mandarin more losses Arch Biscioni celebrates at Oriental Hyde Former employer of Rupert Elliott, Former President from 2000, Willy the Grand in Rome Julia Hands, clocked up a record loss of Bauer, is Chairman of AB Hotels. Word has it that President in 1978 Park This small group includes Sopwell Much loved Michael Bentley can £8.2 million for 2009, up from £3.1 Paolo Biscioni and his wife Carol million the year before, with her Hand House in St Alban’s, Five Lakes, golf now be found one week a month gave a party at the Grand in Rome Picked Hotels group. She has now gone club and spa in Maldon Essex and Committee member Terry gently, and successfully, encouraging to celebrate his 70th birthday. on bended knee to hubby of 25 years more recently the Arch in Marble Foreman’s interest in art and new guests in the direction of this Guy to bail her out with more dosh. Arch, London. This row of elegant culture led him to formal study with European jewel in the crown of the Shouldn’t be a problem then. town houses has been converted into The Open University. Over the past Adieu Mandarin Oriental family. (Editorial a five star hotel with eighty two several years he has taken courses in On Wednesday 26th May 1915 the note: Michael’s father Leslie (Ben) bedrooms. If you are in the area do Humanities and Art History, enjoying 1028-room Regent Place Hotel did his early training with the Savoy Ronson plans call Willy and he will be delighted to course-related art tours in London opened its doors. A single room cost and Claridge’s before joining the show you round. museums and throughout Italy. All of six shillings and sixpence (32p). It’s City hotel his hard work has finally paid off! Royal Household in 1932 as now a hole in the ground and soon It’s not only Sir Terence Conran who After six years’ part-time study, Terry Assistant Comptroller of Supplies to to be seven floors of offices and has spotted opportunities in the Square received a Bachelor of Arts His Majesty King George V and Mile but Gerald Ronson, billionaire and And finally Degree (Honours) in shops. However in the basement is to “………The Savoy Gastronomes Queen Mary). head of Heron International, has Humanities with Art History be a vast 300 cover restaurant and represent an important aspect of the 20,000 sq ft bar in what will be the submitted plans to build a five-star hotel on Friday, 30th May at a ceremony and more than 100 luxury apartments. hotel’s history……” Kiaran W. held at the Barbican Centre in UK’s largest Art Deco space, thanks The hotel, on Bishopsgate, will be MacDonald, General Manager of London. Many congratulations Terry. to English Heritage scuppering total operated by Four Seasons. the Savoy. demolition. Please let us know if you have a story for Gnome de Plume which we can include in the next edition. Printed and Published in London September 2010 by The Savoy Gastronomes • The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of The Savoy Gastronomes Secretary Anna Coakley [email protected] Membership Secretary and Treasurer Maggi Smit 020 8742 1556 [email protected] Compiled in 2010 by Julian Payne [email protected] and Anna Coakley with contributions from members Layout and design by Liz Nicoll [email protected] | 07958 763448 • Printed by PP Litho trading as Berrico www.berrico.co.uk | 020 8992 6454

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