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Published Autumn 2009 The Newsletter of the Savoy Gastronomes • www.savoygastronomes.com

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

Black Tie Gala water-front Tony Giacomin, who live in Italy, Johnstons are The 39th Dinner in a former Monastery, have graciously agreed to help put Annual together with a visit to fascinating the programme together. incoming Presidents Genoa. This is also the nearest Gastronomes can be sure of For the first time in our and as General Manager of the Reunion airport with plenty of flight options another dazzling reunion in this distinguished thirty nine year Royal Crescent Hotel in 2010 from the UK on British Airways or very pretty corner of Italy. colourful history the President(s) Brighton. Ian joined Trusthouses as Ryanair. Michael Bentley and for 2009 are a couple, GM of the Royal Hotel Ventor on Join us in Italy Saturday 10th Warwickshire-based Ian and the Isle of Wight. Ian and June – Wednesday 14th April 2010 June Johnston, who are with their growing family moved to Plans are already underway for a devoted and long time supporters Birmingham to take over the splendid Annual Reunion to be of our amicale. They have management of the well-regarded based in the Gulf of Tigullio already hosted a most successful Plough & Harrow which gathered which includes such gems as and convivial Summer lunch many awards under Ian’s Rapallo, Santa Margherita, following a private tour of management. In 1986 Ian Portofino and Chiavori. This is the gardens of Buckingham became Manager of both the one week after Easter. Palace in May. Allesley and Royal Court Hotels in Presidents Ian and June Gateshead born Ian took his Coventry and after some Johnston are planning a first advice from the General financial turmoil within the reconnoitre there, as Gnome de Manager of the Station Hotel in company he was left to run Plume went to press, with Natale Newcastle and as a result, after twenty-seven hotels until the and Connie Rusconi, whose a false start on a liner he joined company went into receivership family have very strong interests in the Army Catering Corps as with debts of £142 million. Ian the small Hotel Miramare in part of his National Service. As a then became self-employed and in charming Rapallo. volunteer in the Parachute semi-retirement bought the Severn Accommodation will have to be Regiment, Ian dropped into the Valley hotel which was prone to spread over a number of hotels In what may seem like a life-time ago this cartoon represents the advancing Suez Canal Zone for an flooding in the Severn Valley and as the Miramare has only thirty forces of Blackstone about to purchase the Savoy Group from Grenada plc; eighteen month stint as a finally he was happy to retire in one rooms. Preliminary plans, at as represented by Grenada’s CEO Gerry Robinson, seated in the Savoy Corporal in charge of catering for April 2005. During his busy, this stage, include a boat Grill alongside Lady Wontner, with Ramon Pajares, Managing Director of the Savoy, lifting the cloche on the trolley. From the private collection of Julian Payne. 250 men. After demob Ian went successful and transient career, excursion into the bay and a to the Ecole Hotelier, Lausanne, June, who worked for the and worked in the summer Reception Manager of the Savoy SUMMER REUNION Buckingham Palace season in St Moritz and the in 1950, has been at his side and winter season in Arosa. An for a while owned a successful Gardens Saturday 9th May 2009 introduction led him to be fashion shop. More recently June Thanks to Julian Payne Snr. being (excuse the pun) as a Mulberry tree way from the Crowne Plaza to the interviewed by Mr Nicholas has been involved with a wide extremely quick off the mark at the orchard through to its once grand Church. Very best wishes to you Brooks, Reception Manager of variety of local associations and start of the year, we were able to scale stretching from Kensington both! the Savoy, in whose spirit The the Kings Norton Tennis Club. secure some of the hottest tickets in Gardens to Green Park. Luckily the weather held out and Savoy Gastronomes was They have four children and eight London this summer. For the first Once out into the Gardens we were able to enjoy the afternoon founded. After two and half years grandchildren. We are delighted time in two hundred years the themselves it was lovely to walk in outside, where General Manager he moved to the Excelsior Hotel that they have taken on the mantle Gardens of Buckingham Palace the bright sunshine in the middle of Prabhat Verma and his team made us in Naples and on returning to of Presidents for this year and we were opened to the public and The central London; the design of the all feel very welcome. It was all in all London he joined Claridge’s look forward to their Members’ Savoy Gastronomes were very garden is such that around every turn a lovely morning and afternoon, Reception; at that time he met dinner at Brooks’s in London lucky to be among the first and in the path you see a new stunning which gave an insight into an and married June who was on Friday November 20th and very few groups who secured vista of the garden framed perfectly immaculate cared for garden whose working in the Reception office at an exciting Annual Reunion in tickets, with a slot on the second between the trees. The Guides were exclusivity to Garden Parties and the Savoy. Time was then spent at Italy from 10th – 14th April weekend of the opening. Numbers keen to emphasise Her Majesty’s dignitaries and on this day the De Vere Hotel in Kensington 2010. were limited to fifty so the event input on the garden and the changes Gastronomes makes it a very special sold out very quickly. It was great that each Monarch has brought space in the middle of London. Her to see David and Carolyn about; including the tree tunnel to the Majesty The Queen’s letter in O’Brien, Jane Cockin from Pavilion created to prevent those in response to a note of gratitude France, Michael Holliday, the restaurant atop the London Hilton following the event, written by Judith Richard Briginshaw attending his Park Lane observing with interest the Payne, is reproduced below. first Gastronomes event over from Royal constitutional each morning. Guernsey, film maker John We were privileged to Rushton, and Richard and leave the Palace via Denise Bellman amongst the the main gates, happy party. John Rushton tells me another rare that he has an hour-long television experience only spectacular with Victoria Wood available when scheduled for screening over attending a Christmas this year whilst Michael Gastronome event. We Holliday is still acting as a Guide then made our way to at Woburn Abbey. Sadly the Crowne Plaza St Maggi Smit was stuck in a James, where they were snowstorm in Calgary so couldn’t delighted to show off be with us. Past President Peter their new courtyard BBQ. Handing over the President’s Platter from Duncan Palmer to the Tyrie with Catherine Coates also Committee member Paul incoming Presidents Ian and June Johnston with Chairman Jim Sarton came to lap up the wonderful Brackley was, gardens. Virginia Masser brought unfortunately not able to Gabriele Burgath from attend, as following his Grace required Springboard. proposal to partner Maria As part of our 40th anniversary plans in 2011 the Committee have We entered the Palace via the Bolwell in Bangkok at the agreed that it would be fitting to create a Grace that could be said at Ambassadors entrance and once Reunion in February 2008, our various occasions. Members are therefore encouraged to submit a through the stringent security checks this particular Saturday was Grace for consideration and the winning Grace will win a bottle of made our way to the Main their wedding day. We Lanson and a perpetual place in the our history. Please send your Entrance usually only used by were delighted to be lucky dignitaries and Royalty. Following a enough to catch a glimpse thoughts to [email protected]. history of the gardens from its roots of Maria as she made her GNOME DE PLUME 1 AUTUMN 2009 GNome 2009:Layout 1 24/08/2009 10:19 Page 2

General Kiaran gives Gnome de Plume a full update on The Lunch at 2009 Annual Manager of Savoy’s restoration, and the reasons for the delayed Mosimann’s General The Savoy opening of the hotel until 2010 Sunday 22nd Meeting Since the hotel’s closure 18 months ago much has been happening on March 2009 The AGM was held prior to the site. Indeed, I hope Savoy Gastronomes will have had a chance to Following a lively Saturday evening Annual Reunion Dinner on the follow us on this historic journey by visiting our website, www.the- and excellent dinner at The Saturday evening of a wonderful savoy.com and viewing my General Manager’s Updates, and other Langham, we brought the 2009 weekend in London, hosted by personal stories and anecdotes on how the restoration is progressing. Reunion to a close on Mothering President Duncan Palmer. The The website also gives a full overview of The Savoy’s core messages, Sunday with Brunch at Mosimann’s meeting was attended by twenty- Leading The Past, which discusses the hotel’s legendary history and Dining Club in Belgravia. one members, including new heritage; London Ahead, which references the excitement and vibrancy of Sunday proved a bright sunny member Nahoko Asano the capital city and First Again, which introduces you to the new Savoy’s day as we each made our own participating at her first design intention and renderings by the interior designer Pierre Yves way to the Club, where the Chef Gastronomes event. Rochon. By downloading the video one can see his vision of the design himself and his family greeted us at The meeting was opened by Chairman Jim Sarton, who gave his intent for the new Savoy, marrying the classic Edwardian and Art Deco the street entrance. Originally a annual report of the year. This was influences. Presbyterian Church built in 1830, the building consists of many levels followed by contributions from You will be pleased to hear that upon re-opening, in order to display Virginia Masser reporting on the our unique heritage, we will have an exciting new feature - The Savoy up to the spire Belfry. We climbed many steps to the Parmigiani Room ever-developing Olive Barnett Museum. As custodians of one of the oldest and most extensive hotel for a Lanson Champagne Award, Maggi Smit with the archival collections, this will be another First for The Savoy and priceless reception. accounts, Anna Coakley on the memorabilia and documents revealing colourful details of bygone eras As all fifty-three guests arrived website and handbook, and finally The picture above is of and important historical occasions will be on display for the first time. Our Gastronome Kiaran W. and Champagne was consumed, Julian Payne Snr. on possible dedicated Archivist, Susan Scott, is in partnership with James Sherwood, the lively chatter increased in initiatives for our 40th anniversary in MacDonald, who we warmly Curator and Historian, to assemble this unique collection. James was welcome to the amicale. volume until it was time to climb one 2011. kindly introduced to us by Mark Henderson of traditional tailor and military more flight to the Belfry for Brunch. Kiaran brings over twenty outfitters, Gieves & Hawkes, where he has created a stunning museum Seated at tables of ten, we Savoy Gastronomes Scarves eight years experience within display of the historic Savile Row company’s memorabilia. enjoyed great conversation and a and Ties were available for the hospitality industry to this The restoration of The Savoy is one of the most ambitious undertaken in delightful meal of Smoked Salmon, purchase at a special one night distinguished position, Britain, costing over £100 million and involving the entire building, Lady Curzon Soup, and a platter of only price and there was a beginning his career in 1981 including the famous Savoy Courtyard where I’m delighted to say traffic Mosimann specialities, finishing with veritable scrum of lady at the London Penta and will continue to enter on the right-hand side of the road! a light bread and butter pudding, members clamouring for the Scarves! Should you wish to London Tara Hotels in Rooms The enormity of this project, although steadily moving along, has not coffee and petit fours. Jim toasted Division. purchase a bespoke specially- come without its share of complications and set backs; the consequence of the Mothers present for Mothers’ designed silk scarf for £30 or Kiaran later moved into which I am afraid is a delay to the planned re-opening this year and I Day and Chef Mosimann was tie for £20 please contact Food and Beverage regret to advise you that our anticipated winter re-opening is now unlikely thanked and applauded for lunch. Maggi Smit or Virginia Masser. management at the Royal to be before early 2010. This will no doubt be disappointing news for all Garden Hotel, and the 700- our guests, as indeed it is for all of us involved in the project. room Metropole and Warwick The delay has been caused essentially by two key factors. Firstly, we Lanson International Hotels, Birmingham. discovered that much of the services infrastructure (water, heat and power) The Savoy Gastronomes are indebted to Paul He joined Fairmont Hotels was in a far worse condition than we had anticipated. In most cases the Beavis, Managing Director of Lanson International in & Resorts in 1995 as Director pipeline and electrical networks had to be completely replaced and of London (telephone 020 7499 0070) for his Food & Beverage at The course this is such invasive work. Secondly, and more encouragingly, as generous support of the Amicale. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess the restructuring works ‘peeled back’ layers of history, original design www.lansoninternational.com and held that position until elements were revealed that had been hidden for decades, and it was 1998 when he was promoted important that these were either protected or, in some cases, incorporated to Hotel Manager. into the new designs. In 1999, Kiaran was Nevertheless, if you are able to access my most recent update on our appointed as General website, you will see that I am delighted to report a large amount of Manager at The Fairmont completed work such as the 9th floor corridor ceilings and all of the Art Waterfront and returned to the Deco Guestrooms, which are now just waiting for the snagging to take Scottsdale Princess in 2003 as place – a critical juncture that establishes the acceptable standard of finish General Manager. going forward. Downstairs, the public areas are a different story as progress has been In 2006 Kiaran moved painfully slow. Talk amongst the construction team is how the programme back to England and took up hinges on the impending arrival of the new glass dome for the Thames the position of General Foyer, and once this is in place work on other key elements of the interior Manager at The Savoy. design can rapidly move forward. A graduate of Ealing Chef Mayer’s kitchens are progressing well and for those passing by Polytechnic, London, Kiaran Savoy Court lately, they may have seen the dismantling of Sir Howard holds a Degree in Hotel Robertson’s 1929 iconic steel canopy for restoration; and over the coming Management and is married weeks beautiful granite pavings will replace the bitumen road surface, a with three children. fitting upgrade for such a famous courtyard. Janet and Graham Banford with Treasurer Maggi Smit.

New Savoy Representative Spaceship Royal Warrant Committee Member hotel set for Holders bag NEW Shelley Anne There is always a seat on the Committee for a Savoy Representative landing ARRIVALS Claircourt who is currently based at The Savoy, this position has been empty for the An ultra-modern £250 million Congratulations to Gastronomes past year. We are delighted to welcome now Ronald Dooremalen, hotel is being planned for the Uber-smart Royal Warrant Holders Becky Preston and Xavier Association has secured the the new Rooms Division Manager at The Savoy onto the north bank of the Thames. The Peirani on the birth of their Committee. Ronald joined The Savoy in 2003 as a Receptionist and has provocative design, which has services of Gastronome Shelley Anne Claircourt who runs her second daughter Emily. Belgian worked his way up through the ranks, being a key member of the team been likened to a spaceship, will based member Laetitia Pardo be built at Puddle Dock by own company the PRess Office. If when the Savoy began its new reign with Fairmont. that wasn’t acclaim enough, and her, soon to be member, Blackfriars Bridge in the City of While The Savoy has been closed Ronald has been a key member Shelley is working for Mrs Jennifer partner Christos welcomed of the Fairmont team opening their hotel in Beijing and numerous Front London, if the planners give it the Emery, daughter of the late Sir their first son into the world. of House projects in their Far Eastern portfolio. We are delighted to have go-ahead, on the site of the Hugh Wontner, who owns Edward Hilary and Jerry Kempe Ronald on board; he will be a great ambassador for The Savoy former Mermaid Theatre. The Goodyear with a very smart shop Gastronomes with a brand new Reception team, along with fellow five-story structure will have a just off Victoria Street. were thrilled to announce the Gastronome Ollie Ormond. sheer-glass front overlooking the arrival of a sister Naeve for their waterfront and will be clad with Savoy goes son Louis and as we go to press translucent stone. It will include a Green our marathon-running bride from The Scarpa’s New double-height ballroom for 400 We understand that the Savoy is the last Gnome de Plume, Zoe come South Gastronomes people, a spa, bars and to use left-overs and kitchen waste Gale and her husband restaurants and a roof top terrace. to power a green energy plant. It It was wonderful to see Ampelio We are delighted to welcome Simon had a bouncing baby and Lea Scarpa in London for also plans to supply hot water to boy, Joe. Congratulations to you new Gastronomes this year, Pia its 263 rooms using heat from its the Reunion in March who had all and also to any new Minas who is currently working freezers and coolers. This is part travelled down from their new for Mandarin Oriental in Munich of a move to cut its carbon Gastronome Parents and home in Perthshire having and Nahoko Asano who is footprint by 3,322 tonnes a year. Grandparents out there also this moved from Venice. based with Mitsubishi in London. year.

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Savoy Educational Trust, of THE SAVOY GASTRONOMES OLIVE £1250 each year for a two year period and a short BARNETT AWARD 2009 course kindly donated by the A summary of another successful award year by Virginia Masser Hotel School Lausanne. • The winner, Benjamin This award, created by The Savoy Gastronomes in 1975, seeks to find the most promising young person under 30 working in McEwen from Lexington any customer facing role in the hospitality industry in the UK, with a view to helping them fulfill their career aspirations. It aims to Catering not only won a show-case excellence in the industry and the participants provide us with fantastic role models for others entering into or just career development grant beginning their careers. from the Savoy Educational Trust of £1750 a year for a The Savoy Gastronomes would • Edward Viita, The Langham London a presentation for the finalists two year period but also a like to thank our partner and Winner of the Olive • Borja Eraso, Intercontinental ceremony. They were totally place on the fabulous Springboard and to all of our Barnett Award 2008. London, Park Lane unaware of this part of the summer school programme sponsors for making this award • Anne Pierce, CEO • Amy Dignon, De Vere process and only twenty four at the Hotel School possible. The Langham, who Springboard Cameron House, Loch hours to create it and rehearse. Lausanne. has been the main sponsor of • Ian Scarth, Hotel School Lomond Stage Three of the the award for the last two years Lausanne and previous Olive • Mark Field, The Carlton competition took place on 2009 was a great success and this year, The Savoy Barnett Award winner 1979. Club, London Sunday evening, where the and I am and delighted and Educational Trust who provide • Benjamin McEwen, finalists were treated to a rather excited to announce that the prize money for our finalists, The journey for our 8 finalists Lexington Catering, London splendid dinner hosted by the next year and for the following The Hotel School, Lausanne, started in December 2008 • Mike Swadza, Jumeirah Langham and interrogations two years, the award goes who provide a place on their when the call for entries was Carlton Tower, London from the judges. The judges “home” as the main sponsor of summer programme for the launched. All entrants were • Viktoria Trosina, The were assessing their social skills, the Olive Barnett Award from winner and who this year have asked to submit a 750 word Intercontinental London Park how they networked and 2010 – 2012 will be The added two further short courses essay on the following: Lane interacted in a more social Savoy. for our runners up. We are also ‘The credit crunch and • Sarah Winterton, Brown’s environment. This is a highly most grateful to Learnpurple current recession have started to Hotel, London important part of the process as who carry out a training session impact upon the environment in it allows the judges to get to A success! during the judging weekend; to which your company operates. st On 21 April the finalists know the finalists in a more The following was received from Caterer.com who provide Identify and explain four key were contacted, congratulated informal situation. a happy Gastronome following funds for the award and to strategic priorities that the th and informd they had made it to On Monday 18 May the successful 2009 Summer Laurent Perrier Champagne. company you work for could the final judging weekend at Stage Four of the competition Reunion ……….”what a triumph The Savoy Gastronomes focus on to enhance quality The Langham. They were also took place - the careers today was, well done. I know that Miss Barnett O.B.E customer service and so protect asked to submit their own presentations. Each finalist would be so proud, and it was its business during this ‘personal career mantra’ that presented to the judging panel enjoyed myself immensely; it is particularly nice that Miss challenging period’. helps them focus on their job their career achievements to lovely to see everyone so Barnett’s cousin, Mrs Rosalind This year, we attracted over and careers. date, their plans for the future, relaxed. BP’s gardens Potter, came from her home near eighty full applications and Stage Two of the competition and how they would spend the (Buckingham Palace) are Cambridge to join the occasion. these were initially screened by for our finalists started at midday grant should they win. The wonderful and I was glad to Our judges this year were Virginia and the team at on Sunday 17th May at The judges questioned them on their have had the opportunity for a • Virginia Masser representing Springboard. Langham. For the finalists, the presentations and essay. At the snoop around! The Savoy Gastronomes and Thirty essays then made it to day started off with a end of the day all the scores With much love and many, many a former Olive Barnett the next stage where the final presentation training session by from each section of the thanks. Award Winner in 1993. judging panel had the difficult industry training leaders weekend were collated and our • Terry Foreman representing job to agree on eight entries to Learnpurple. The finalists were winner and two runners-up were Elliott The Savoy Gastronomes. make it through to the final. then handed over to Ian Scarth decided. • Tim Gates, The Langham The finalists this year were: from the Hotel School Lausanne At 6.30 pm over two leaves • Ian Burke, Caterer.com • Tim Bode, Park Lane Hotel, who set them a task of creating hundred and fifty guests from the Stapleford hospitality industry arrived. The Park ceremony commenced and the Former President Rupert Elliott, announcement of this year’s winners took place. with his wife and daughter in tow, have re-located to Bibury OUR 2009 Court Hotel in the Cotswolds. WINNERS Rupert says that he is very excited by this new challenge • Sarah–Elizabeth and feels the hotel has a great Winterton from Brown’s deal of latent recognition and Hotel, was the 2nd runner up an owner dedicated to putting it and won a career on a new level. Watch this development grant kindly space. donated by The Savoy Educational Trust, of £750 each year for a two year Miss Dodie period, along with a short Cotter course kindly donated by the It is with great sadness that we Hotel School Lausanne. announce that Dodie Cotter • Mike Swadzba from the died peacefully on 10th August, Jumeriah Carlton Tower, was aged 94. An appreciation of the 1ST runner up and won a Eugenio Pirri Regional HR Director The Savoy and Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Europe, Terry career development grant her life will be sent to members Foreman, Benjamin McEwen, Virginia Masser again kindly donated by the in due course.

ITALIAN JOB Bonjour Elliott Our 40th anniversary Secretary Anna Coakley and Paris, hi NYC notches husband Robin have just Not content with having cracked them up year 2011 returned from two weeks in Italy, the London Marathon at a commendable speed, General To celebrate the return of some of We are thrilled that iconic hotelier Natale Rusconi, whose where they were lucky enough to his National Insurance stay at Savoy Gastronome Manager of Peter Tyrie’s long and distinguished career was covered in some detail in Threadneedles Hotel, in the City contributions from Mr. G Brown, Stefano Leoni’s wonderful Founder Member Tony Elliott the summer 2008 edition of Gnome de Plume under Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi in of London, Julian Payne pounded “Arrivederci Natale”, has agreed to be our President in this his way round the cobbled Paris started his birthday with a very Bormio, After enjoying the jolly family lunch at his house – anniversary year. Your committee is currently considering a resort’s thermal spas they headed Marathon in an even quicker time; number of issues to make this a particularly special year so if his wife Catherine and son followed the day after by being to relax in Argegno on the shores taken out to lunch in Honfleur you have any ideas you would like to put forward please of Lake Como before enjoying Christopher meanwhile popped in and out of the Metro trying to catch and then over the weekend there send them to the Chairman, Jim Sarton the opera in Verona conducted was another grand family [email protected] by Placido Domingo. him up. Julian is now planning to run the New York Marathon in “bouffe” at Christiane’s house on early November this year. the coast. (of France that is – Ed) GNOME DE PLUME 3 AUTUMN 2009 GNome 2009:Layout 1 24/08/2009 10:19 Page 4

An Ethopian odyssey rumours that his morning suit was Holland’s in fact his old Savoy uniform were wedding as recounted by Chairman Jim Sarton unconfirmed. Gastronome guests included Christian and Toria Wendy Sarton covered this happy In September 2007 our eldest dipped in mixed spices. Duffell, and a fabulous time was event for Gnome de Plume daughter, Emma, went to Ethiopia st Tej is home made honey wine had by all. We look forward to On Saturday 21 March 2009, a with Voluntary Service Overseas which is delicious and has seeing them both at many more sunny spring day in Warwickshire, (VSO) to teach at the University deceptively high alcohol content. Gastronomes reunions in the Max Holland, Gastronome of Wollega. She was to initiate a Tourism is now beginning to catch future. Michael and Christina National Diploma Teaching on, especially as an earner of Holland’s youngest son, married programme for the university foreign currency. There are many Paul himself picks up the story – Rebecca Guest at St Nicholas lecturers and supervise the first interesting things to see and so far “As you know I asked Maria for Church, Kenilworth. Max and intake. On our first visit in Wendy and I have only her hand in marriage while Rebecca have known each other February 2008, with the site still scratched the surface on the two staying at the Mandarin since their days at University in under construction, there were visits to a wonderful country Oriental in Bangkok last year Coventry. The reception was held 1,200 students. This year in populated by very lovely people. on our Gastronomes Reunion. So afterwards at Coombe Abbey February 2009, with buildings still I am sure we will be making it was fitting to hold our Hotel, which Michael under construction, the student many more visits as on our last Reception and Wedding developed, as a Grade I listed intake had increased to 3,000. one we were present at Emma’s Breakfast at the Mandarin building for No Ordinary Hotel Eventually on completion they will wedding to Biniam. He is a Oriental Hyde Park. It was a Group in 1995. All their guests number 12,000. Masters Graduate in Hydrology Paul and perfect May Spring Day and we felt very much at home and had a The University is situated in the and will be much needed in his Maria tie the enjoyed the Reception on the great party in the beautiful setting town of Nekemte in the Oromiya country. The ceremony took place new terrace overlooking Hyde of the Abbey, amongst the Region. It is approximately 300km on Saturday 21st February in the knot daffodils in the surrounding With the question popped Park before sitting down to our to the West of Addis Ababa with garden of Biniam’s mother with parkland. I managed to take during the ultra-successful Wedding Breakfast. only an unmade road connection. 100 guests. It was a true leave from the from the Gastronomes Annual Reunion in Gastronome Rachel Angell A good 4 x 4 vehicle can do it in Ethiopian wedding with all Gastronomes reunion in London Hong Kong and Bangkok in and her team looked after us six hours hard driving. A public members of the family preparing and I had a wonderful time 2008, Paul Brackley wed and our guests so very well, we bus twelve hours if you are lucky. the food and Tej. It was a very dancing half the night away whilst Maria Bolwell at Farm Street were all thrilled with the service, It is the ninth largest town in happy event with lots of music, leaving the Chairman (my Church in London, on the very the great attention to detail Ethiopia with a population of dancing, fireworks and speeches husband) to face his music alone! day of the Gastronomes Summer shown and of course the quality approximately 120,000. in several languages. It ( event this year. Maria left for the of the food. We had chosen a Ed’s note – it was quite a Spring Europeans are somewhat of a culminated in a mad dash for the service from the hotel traditional Spring menu of for the Holland’s as another of rarity and the source of much airport in the early hours of the Gastronomes were having lunch Scallops followed by Pea Soup their son’s, Bobby, married three interest, known here and morning for our flight home. at; she was waived on her way then Saddle of Lamb finishing weeks later.) throughout the country as “ferenji”. Emma and Biniam are currently by none other than Jim Sarton with Lemon Tart with Rhubarb Water and Electricity are fragile here with us and we have Echle weds who caught a glimpse of her Compote. We honeymooned in resources in Ethiopia. The huge another grandchild arriving soon. speeding past. A wonderful Italy. Our mini-tour started at the Josef Echle has been off our building projects currently taking Emma has a quick appeal to the reception was held at the Danieli in Venice going on to radar since the stunning Venetian place in towns like Nekemte have Savoy Gastronomes – when she Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park join the Mille Miglia in our Alfa reunion in 2005, magically a tremendous impact on their returns to Ethiopia she wants to Ballroom and it is reported that Romeo for a tour of Tuscany. hosted by Natale Rusconi and supply. Cuts for days at a time set up photography clubs in Maria was wearing the shawl Having taken in Florence we his wife Connie, however I now are commonplace. Conservation, schools. Currently schools lack that Paul gave her in Hong Kong. finished in Rome. Our last week hear that he is still in the wine- of water in particular becomes a any art or creative learning and The Bride looked gorgeous in was spent on Capri at the business - but only on some week- way of life. all the photos taken in Ethiopia ivory silk, whilst Paul Grand Hotel Qvisisanna.” ends; Josef reports that he The staple diet is Injera, rather like that people nationally and acknowledged his “roots” by married Ingrid in August and they a very large sour dough pancake internationally see are taken by sporting Gastronome socks; very much hope to join us at the made from Tef flour, and served foreigners. If any of you have a next reunion. Congratulations with Wat; a sauce, which will basic digital camera stuck in the Josef, and we wish you great contain meat or vegetables. back of a drawer and have no happiness. Josef shouldn’t worry Popular dishes include Tibs, small use for it, could you donate it to too much as I hear from the pieces of meat pan fried over this project? If so, please contact Treasurer that he has paid two charcoal, served piping hot. Kitfo Emma on emmasarton@ years subscription up front! is raw minced beef mixed with gmail.com or send them to me at butter and spices or Kurt which Dedham Hall. With our grateful Change of are larger pieces of meat served thanks. address Please let us know if you have Two London hotels get new names moved. We do like to keep in Hilton has re-branded two of its hotels. The 64 room Bentley (no relation touch with our far flung members to Gastronome Michael Bentley) has becomes Britain’s first Waldorf and in forty four countries. Tell the the 112 Courthouse in the West End has become another Doubletree, Secretary Anna Coakley one of Hilton’s brands. [email protected] Sherry back in UK After a brief stint in New York, Niels Sherry, President in 2001, when Rachel Angell, Victoria Smalley and Asta Brandes having fun he was heading up the cool St Martin’s Hotel in London’s West End, has returned to the UK and has set up as a Wine Consultant for those with CENTENARY OF SIR HUGH some spare cash wishing to invest in wine. Bow Street Magistrates Court to be WONTNER’S BIRTH luxury hotel With customary style Julian Wontner, one of Sir Hugh’s sons, arranged a special peal of bells at City of London Just a stone’s throw from the Savoy, Westminster Council has given the Church, St Lawrence Jewry in October 2008 to celebrate his Father’s birth on 22nd October 1908. Sir Hugh was green light for the famous Bow Street Magistrates Court to be converted Lord Mayor in 1973/74, when Judith Payne, wife of Founder Member Julian Payne, was working in the Public into an hotel. The Grade II-listed building was the site of the Relations office of the Corporation of London. Sir Hugh had a lifelong connection with the City of London and incarceration of Oscar Wilde, Dr Crippen, Reggie Cray and others. different livery companies, especially with the Clockmakers and Feltmakers. His forebear Thomas Wontner Sr came Whilst in the so-called West End I hear also that the old Odeon cinema in 1763 from afar in Leominster Herefordshire, as a teenager with his elder brother John, to be apprenticed to the in Leicester Square will also become an hotel and flats. Feltmakers and John to the Clockmakers. Thomas was to be elected Master twice, in 1792 and again in 1830 in rd Former home of Bunny Club to be hotel his 83 year. John’s son, John Wontner, also a clockmaker, became Upper Marshal and had a terrible accident in procession to Guildhall with his horse, but lived and was appointed Governor of Newgate Prison. Sir Hugh began More than 20 years after the last bunny left the hutch the Playboy Club his career in the London Chamber of Commerce in the era of the great Stock Market crash, later to be appointed in London’s Park Lane is set to become an hotel. Local Westminster Secretary to the then British Hotels and Restaurant Association in 1931, founded by the Savoy. He was invited to Council has granted planning permission, so my mole in County Hall tells join the Savoy in 1938, allegedly being interviewed by Miss Olive Barnett, prior to being offered the job. He Gnome de Plume, to redevelop the outpost of Hugh Heffner which became Managing Director in 1942 at the early age of 34 and by example was responsible for the founding of operated as a club between 1966 and 1982. And who is behind this – the British Tourist Authority (now Visit Britain), and the International Hotel Association later being a Life President. the Dorchester Collection none the less who will turn the site into a 48 Well known for his robust defence of the highest values of the Savoy, the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company and the room yet-to-be named hotel. Across the pond I hear designs have been City Corporation, he set up the Temple Bar Trust to bring the ancient Grade I listed Wren gateway back to the drawn up by New York based architect Thierry Despont who has City. He passed his Aldermanic and Temple Bar banner to Sir Christopher Collett and then oversaw the final created homes for Bill Gates and Calvin Klein. Victor Lowndes, now 80, hurdles to its restored place today as the entrance at Paternoster Square from St Paul’s Cathedral. After the quarter who ran the club, told Gnome de Plume “It was a huge success. The peel of Surprise Major, JulianWontner’s guests processed on foot, wrapped up against the autumnal chill, from St average bunny lasted two years and than married a millionaire” Call Lawrence Jewry through the twilight, to the charming private room above Temple Bar for a presentation toast with, Dorchester CEO Christopher Cowdery for more. appropriately enough, magnums of De Venoge, once the Champagne of the Savoy.

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Cameron was spending a year in a fantastic linguist. The last time we Hans Italy to study the language and skied together was with the Shelley walks up whilst there visited the local Gastronomes at the magical snow- Hanson Anglican Church where Hans’s bound annual reunion hosted by Kilimanjaro father was the Vicar. Cameron Ernst Scherz, owner of the In a fascinating story Gastronome Shelley Anne Claircourt claimed his attendance was not so legendary Palace Hotel in recounts a life-time ambition finally fulfilled. much for his spiritual benefit but as Gstaad in 1991. This was the year the obvious start for his social when Dodie Cotter and Peter networking. The Vicar’s son, Hans, Stafford, wrapped up warmly Cameron and a young Curate, Jim together, took a ski-lift to the top of Wynne-Evans met and forged a a mountain. An engaging moment. lasting friendship. This was typical Also there were Graham and of the friendships that Hans made, Janet Bamford who flew in which were loyal and long-lasting. specially from Singapore. We At Hans’s funeral in Elston, near were travelling between the slopes Newark, where Hans and Louise and the hotel in a bus and Hans lived for many years, Jim, now an carried on lively conversations with impish seventy-four year old, a number of the passengers. This recalled some of the happy times was no mean feat; the they shared. conversations were in French, When I met Hans I was Italian, and German and Hans It is with great sadness that we considering going into the hotel flipped from one language to the announce Hans Hanson died on world and I was unsure of which other without pause and 19th April 2009 after a long route to take into the industry. It furthermore, injected a great deal illness, bravely born. He will be was Hans’s enthusiasm for The of humour judging by the laughter remembered with great affection Savoy training scheme that from the other passengers. As well by many Gastronomes and we convinced me that this was the as being a great conversationalist As a schoolgirl in Rhodesia, there send our deepest sympathy to his path to follow. His advice to me, Hans was also a very good emerged into the -6C biting cold. was not much you are not taught wife Louise. Twelve Gastronomes when I joined the scheme was, if I listener and he was always keen The snake of walkers ascending up about Mt. Kilimanjaro, it is Africa’s attended the funeral held at All did nothing else, to ensure I spent to respect other people’s points of the rocky paths, all wearing Mountain and almost an old Saints Church in his home village part of my training working in the view. headlamps under a breathtaking friend. The tallest free standing of Elston. The Church was full to Reception at the Savoy. As a result All of us who knew Hans can canopy of stars, gave the scene mountain in the world standing at overflowing and forty four of his advice I was able to join, recall his occasional capacity for biblical proportions. As it was just 3,895 meters/19,340 ft, so when members of the male voice choir, many years later, the Savoy putting his foot in it. One of my me and my guide, Leon, we we arrived on 28th December of which Hans was a member, Gastronomes and to continue my recollections was the occasion pushed rapidly up the frozen seeing the spectacular views of the gave a rousing rendition. friendship with Hans both within Hans and I were invited to a screed finally reaching Stellar ice capped mountain from our Donations in memory of Hans for the hotel world and outside it. formal dinner in Point. Here, altitude sickness really hotel, suddenly the enormity of the The Bell Repair Fund at All Saints Hans had a great capacity for tree-lined Surrey. Hans pitched up kicked in, I sat down to recover task at hand seemed Church may be sent to E Gill & friendship and, during his time as wearing chinos, sandals and an and somersaulted back over the overwhelming. Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, 55 an inspector for Michelin when iridescent Hawaiian shirt, much to rock, my head throbbed, breathing The first two days of the trek Albert Street, Newark Notts travelling around the country he the horror of his host and hostess. was difficult and I was becoming were rather beautiful, with verdant NG24 4BQ. Louise Hanson’s would, whenever possible, drop in Hans, with his usual aplomb, more and more confused. Leon vegetation to distract; but that night, address is 10 Paddocks Close, on my parents’ home in the West overcame this minor transgression reckoned that it was an hour to the things changed dramatically. My Elston Newark Notts NG23 5PJ Country and he remained in and made an excellent and summit but I could do it in 45 trekking mate succumbed to acute regular contact with them. I went amusing addition to the party. minutes and after that we would mountain sickness and had to be Gastronome Hugh Wainwright on several skiing holidays with I have greatly appreciated Hans’s need to run down, so that I could taken down. It was then that the recalls his entertaining encounters Hans before he married Louise ready wit and companionship; my recover from the altitude without gruelling fitness programme kicked with Hans over many happy years and he was always great life and numerous others will be any adverse effects. We pushed in and it became a challenge of “I first met Hans in 1968 through a company. Not only was he an duller for his parting.” on. Every step felt like a descent my mind. The next four days, mutual friend, Cameron Buchanan. amusing companion, he was also into hell. Then, at last the steep trekking with my guide, not to gradient began to level off; a wall mention the hundreds of other of frozen air permeating from the 100th anniversary of Slippery slopes climbers and their porters, were glaciers greeted me. We plodded Gastronome Derek Picot, tough. At times the terrain was a on, and finally reached the summit birth of Cubby Brocoli Regional Vice President of vertical rock wall to be negotiated at 6.00 a.m. Dawn was just Jumeirah Europe and General 2009 is the year film buffs and particularly fans of 007, which Cubby as if a mountain goat, at others it breaking and the red sun poured Brocoli brought to the screen, will celebrate his talents. A flamboyant Manager of the Jumeirah seemed to be days of volcanic Carlton Tower, (and born in pink light across the glacier. Italian-American his story lives on through his daughter Barbara and screed with nothing but rocks to Jersey if you really want to know – Silhouettes of other walkers could stepson Michael who are at the helm of EON, the production company break up the monotonous be seen emerging from the that Brocoli founded in 1961. Brocoli, the high roller, ex-Hollywood Ed) missed the annual reunion as he was skiing in France. Some landscape. darkness. We spent five minutes at agent and close friend of Howard Hughes, cut an incongruous figure years back he had a nasty By the time I arrived at camp, the summit, marvelling at the when he arrived in austerity-era Britain in 1948 to attend a car rally. accident on the slopes but I can the tent was up and cook had tea curvature of the earth below; but at “Where’s the Kings Arms? he asked a passer-by when he was trying to report that Derek was as chirpy as brewing with popcorn waiting. A -20C with a freezing wind howling track down a pub where he had an important meeting “Oh, around the ever and recently spotted amongst bowl of hot water was produced to around us, it was time to go. Leon Queen’s a*se”, he was told – a sardonic reply that delighted him. The friends at the summer reunion. He wash and then preparations for the was not joking; we were off, almost Savoy became his second home and his daughter recalls that on his tells about hand-held electronic night would begin to ensure all was skiing down the slopes of sandy first visit to have breakfast the waiter came to the table and said “what voting devices that are used at his ready for when the sun set around screed which were thawing rapidly would you like, sir”? He said “I’ll have bacon and eggs and a pot of quarterly staff meetings to ask staff 6.00pm when the temperatures in the bright sunlight. My water coffee.” The waiter had to explain that thanks to rationing that wouldn’t key questions on the business. The would plummet. remained frozen for another hour be possible. A few days later, the waiter turned up at his table saying he system works anonymously and The night of the final ascent or so as did my precious last Mars had a surprise. Underneath a huge silver cloche, he unveiled two boiled the answers are instantaneous. As was the toughest. All routes lead to Bar. By the time we reached a consequence of this Derek is eggs. Brocoli asked the waiter how he got them. “Oh, I brought them Barranco Hut. Hundreds of camp, I was exhausted, exhilarated now teaching some staff to speak from home,” the waiter replied. Such was the Savoy. climbers and their porters were and energised in equal measures. English! Yes, well, helpful Derek! gathered; camps were everywhere, There was an hour to sleep before Thomas marries in South Africa like Glastonbury without the music. eating a quick meal and our camp Gastronome Peter Thomas, who worked alongside Julian Payne Snr Holland’s Grappa The excitement was palpable and it was packed up and we started our in the days of starched collars and white aprons in the Savoy Grill, When not sailing their Catamaran was impossible to doze, let along descent. It was six days up and in the Med, Italian based sleep; everyone was waiting for married his long-time partner, former Concorde Stewardess Angie Manley one day down. The enormity of Michael and Christine Holland midnight. The weather oscillated on Monday 25th May. They live in glorious Hermanus, South Africa what I had achieved did not really can be found either treading their from freezing hailstorms to a sink in until about a week later and Bauer’s go West Savoy Archives own olives or making their own blazing heat when the clouds then I was truly amazed as I sat on Spotted holidaying in England’s Reassuring news is that Susan Scott, fine Grappa. We are hoping to scudded off. Finally it was 11.30 a boat in Zanzibar, toes amongst gorgeous West Country were part time archivist of the Savoy, is persuade them to part with a little p.m. Wearing all my clothes, I the rainbow coloured fish. none other than Former President being retained and the wonderful for an event in Italy in 2010. Salute! Willy Bauer and his wife archives will be reinstated. Gastronomes with a certain Zdenka. They were caught on Win a bottle of Not again camera at Gidleigh Park, fondness for very fine pieces of print that cover over much more Our mole in the rushes on the river bank spots (if moles could see – Ed) formerly run and owned by Lanson than just the history of the Savoy, fun-loving Gastronome Anna Roberts celebrating yet another birthday; American Paul Henderson and his Who said………. “I have the but represent an overview of simplest tastes. I am always this time at the swish River Café in West London. It is one of Anna’s wife Kay; later they visited Kit legendary classical cooking and favourite haunts; owned by Ruth Rodgers and her controversial world Chapman and his family, owners satisfied with the best”…….? wine lists, will be able, by prior Answers to jp@pdpr. famous architect husband Lord Rogers, who has recently drawn blood of the Castle Hotel in Taunton. appointment have access to these freeserve.co.uk please. First one over his controversial scheme for the old Chelsea Barracks with the archives. received gets the bottle. “Prince of Wails.” GNOME DE PLUME 5 AUTUMN 2009 GNome 2009:Layout 1 24/08/2009 10:19 Page 6

May 1932. Dominating the front Annual Reunion 2009 entrance is a statue by Eric Gill of Prospero (symbol of wisdom and Friday 20th tribute in recognition of their benevolence) and Ariel. We March staunch support and hard work learn that Ariel’s nakedness over the years in support of our A Lanson Champagne reception caused a stir at the time, requiring beloved amicale.” was the commencement of the his manhood to be “adjusted”; 38th Annual Reunion this year on thus a vintage Gastronomes tour Friday evening. With an arts Saturday 21st began! theme, we visited and dined at the March We started off in the beautiful Tate Modern on the South Bank. Hugh Wainwright picks up the Radio Theatre, the walls of which It was an informal affair, with an story. are covered in intricate friezes, optional self-guided tour of the All the best fairy tales start with reflecting themes such as music, paintings and sculptures with time the words ‘Once upon a time…’ sport, dance, religion and poetry. for warm reunions before dinner. So, once upon a time a group Originally designed as a classical Chairman Jim Sarton proposed of young men came together to music concert hall, the original an opening toast and the evening organise a dinner at The Gastronomes at the BBC design features (including one of started as we meant to go on! Connaught to thank the Savoy’s the various contemporary clocks in New faces mixed with old friends Reception Manager, Nicholas St. champagne rhubarb velouté. very low. the building) have been and a thoroughly fun time was John Brooks, for his guidance and Australian Chardonnay and Shiraz Kurt Dell Oro’s daughter painstakingly preserved, and the had. The eagerly anticipated help during their time as wines accompanied the meal. Kirsten, attending the reunion theatre is now used for a variety of night-cap was to follow with a kind Receptionists at The Savoy. The After this delicious dinner from their home in Dusseldorf, broadcasts. After a short invitation from Duncan Palmer to amicale that became known as Duncan made his formal farewell won a two night stay at the introductory talk, we moved to the join him in the Langham’s Artesian The Savoy Gastronomes was speech as President. He Trump International Hotel and semi-circular Council Chamber, bar for hot toddies. There it was born. recounted his happy times at The Tower in New York donated by which, having played host to the wonderful to see former Head Thirty-eight years later the Langham and looked forward with Suzie Mills. major decision-making processes in Barman of the Savoy’s American tradition continues and this year enthusiasm to his new role in the Jonathan Hennessy, guest much of the Corporation’s history, Bar, Peter Dorrelli, in full swing the dinner was hosted by Savoy Far East. Duncan handed over the of new member Sebastian and most recently used in the awaiting our arrival. Gastronome President, Duncan Presidential Plate to the incoming Knoerr, won a case of delicious Jonathan Ross scandal. The modern twist to the Palmer, at The Langham Hotel. joint Presidents, Ian and June Château Bernadotte Haut In the lobby just along the hall Gastronome evening ended in a Under Duncan’s ever watchful and Johnston. Finally, Duncan Medoc 2005, a wonderful year from the Artist’s Green Room, we suitably late and happy mood, keen eye The Langham has introduced his Guest of Honour, for Bordeaux, donated by are treated to an excellently timed with everyone looking forward to recently undergone a multi-million the urbane David Levin, who Chairman Jim Sarton. celeb sighting, as Diana Rigg participating in the full events of pound refurbishment programme. talked about his ownership of The Julian Payne Snr’s emerges from the lift! Suitably star- the weekend ahead. The theme for the evening was Capital Group. Amongst those renowned City of London struck, we continue upstairs, to the Chicago-based Founder Member traditional fairy stories, in line with present were John Grant from walking tour and lunch was radio studios: octagonal rooms Michael Duffell was sadly the theme for the re-opening of the Monaco, Tony Elliott and won by Claire Austin. meticulously sound-proofed and unable to attend this year so sent hotel. Christiane Rivolen from France, A Chess match and bottle arranged in maze-like formation this rhythmical witty greeting – Nearly one hundred Savoy Tim and Ina Whitehead from of Champagne with Julian along narrow corridors. It is Good wishes Mr. President Gastronomes and their guests met Canada and Sylvia and Yossi Payne Jnr was won by a guest exciting to realize that, despite its and all friends of The S.G., Have in The Artesian, the glamorous Heksch from Israel. of the Johnston family, Andy long and changing history, a terrific dinner across from the cocktail bar where we were I feel sure that everyone who Wood. Broadcasting House remains the BBC. Gisela and Michael Duffell treated to Lanson Black Label attended the dinner would like to A bottle of Champagne, engine room of the BBC Radio are sorry not to be here - Save us and cocktails especially created join me in thanking Duncan for donated by Derek Picot in the output and that morning, the scene some cake and truffle to mark the for the evening. A seemingly never- hosting another memorable Gilt Lounge at the Jumeirah of the Great Gastronomes Radio 38th year! Well done Duncan ending supply of beautiful reunion and continuing the Carlton Tower was won by Play; a haunting tale of a lonely Palmer - though your year will be canapés was offered until we tradition started by those young John Rhodes whose postal raffle mansion and its dubious inhabitants. up soon - Welcome to your were ushered into dinner. men thirty-eight years ago in The tickets also netted him dinner at Who knew that the sound of bats successors - those Johnstons - Ian The Landau Restaurant is an Connaught. Foliage at the Mandarin could be re-created with a pair of and June. elegantly panelled room that Oriental donated by Rachel leather gloves, that a Champagne In his down-time Michael can easily accommodated all the Raffle Prize Angell. cork could spring from a bicycle be found on the charming members and guests at tables Winners and Terry Foreman was the lucky pump, or that the sound of boots Willmette Golf course, just north seating from four to fourteen. recipient of one of the hottest new tramping up a gravel path is of Chicago, off Interstate 94. Following Grace, spoken by Donors restaurants in London, Min Jiang simulated by, well, an old pair of Curiously enough this is close to Natale Rusconi, we enjoyed a Thank you to Gastronomes who at the Royal Garden Hotel boots in a tray of gravel?! where Julian Payne Snr used to carefully chosen menu created by kindly donated prizes for the raffle donated by Graham Bamford. We finished our thoroughly live in Glenview in the early ‘60’s, Executive Chef Andrew Turner, held at The Landau on the Finally Paul Brackley’s prize enjoyable tour on the roof of the when he was a busboy at that comprised a delicate white Saturday of the Reunion. We very of dinner in Refettorio at the building, where the terrace affords Henrici’s Restaurant at the bean and truffle soup followed by much appreciate your generosity Crowne Plaza The City was an amazing view over All Souls O’Hare Inn right by Chicago’s a rich crab torte. The main course especially in the current climate. won by John Grant. Church, and of course, the historic international airport. The original, of duck, was cooked to a perfect The income from raffle tickets helps Congratulations to all the lucky Langham Hotel. and well-regarded Henrici’s, was rosé and pudding was a crème our funds enormously and keeps winners. on Randolph Street in the brûlée served with a pretty pink the cost of the annual subscription Huntington downtown theatre district of Sunday 22nd Hartford Chicago and opened in 1868. March Hong Kong based past- Founder Member David Ward Our London Reunion dawned has been saddened by the death President Andrew Hirst sent this bright and sunny, and after more prosaic message in May of his former employer breakfast (numerous Gastronomes and heir to a grocery fortune, “It seems like only recently that are to be heard raving about the the Savoy Gastronomes were in Huntington Hartford. Hartford was Langham’s almond croissants) we born into one of America’s Hong Kong from where I have met on the steps of the world pleasure in conveying my best wealthiest families and inherited famous British Broadcasting $90 million at the age of 12 but regards on the occasion of the House, for our exclusive tour of the Savoy Gastronomes 38th Annual blew it on a series of quixotic building. artistic ventures and expensive Reunion. My congratulations and An iconic example of Art Deco best wishes to Ian and June wives. David knew him during one architecture, building work began of the happier times of his life Johnston as they take on the in 1927, and took less than five mantle of Joint Presidents of The when he bought Hog Island, a years to complete, with the BBC two mile strip of farmland in the Savoy Gastronomes - a fitting taking up their residence there in Alan and Anne Robinson with David and Rosita Wardle Bahamas, hoping to develop it into the St Tropez of the Bahamas. He renamed it Paradise Island and The Savoy Archives built the Ocean Club, a luxury An up-date from Susan Scott, Archivist resort with 25 acres of gardens When I wrote about the Savoy Archives last year, I had hoped that by the time you read this, they would have returned to the hotel. Well, a year later modelled on those at Versailles it will not have escaped your notice that the restoration project is behind its original schedule; the archives have therefore remained safely in storage and featuring a 12th century just outside London. In the meantime we’ve been working on an additional plan for a permanent history display at The Savoy. This will be installed in French Augustinian monastery, the space at the top of the stairs leading to the American Bar, which was previously a landing and the Savoy Gift Shop. So, for the last few weeks, I originally purchased and have been dashing down to the archives periodically to plough through the boxes looking for objects that might be suitable for display. dismantled by William Randolph Hearst. At the other We’re certainly not short of colourful printed ephemera and photographs, but the challenge is to make the displays as three-dimensional as end of the island he built himself a possible. I have found an extraordinary selection of the oddest things, from boxes of sample Cuban cigars (circa 1936, possibly a little past their best) palatial home where he (Mr to three pairs of spectacles previously the property, according to the catalogue, of Sir George Reeves-Smith. Personal favourites include the vintage Hartford, not David Ward that is - monogrammed dressing-table sets from the Ladies Cloakroom. These were actually handed over to the archives by Housekeeping in the weeks before Ed) played host to a cast of closure as we all packed up to leave the building. celebrities including Winston When The Savoy does re-open, there will be one small corner that pays tribute to its extensive and illustrious history, as the revitalised hotel faces Churchill, Aristotle Onassis and up to its future. I do hope that you will come and take a look. Zsa Zsa Gabor.

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English afternoon tea, the continues to be, one of the most THE SAVOY – An Update experience will be further rewarding journeys. Whilst The Savoy closed its doors on December 15, 2007 to embark on one of the most enhanced with the opening of appreciating each person’s extensive Hotel restorations in London. Savoy Tea, a bijou shop, unique memories of the Savoy, reminiscent of the Burlington the common thread has been Arcade. how special each individual was Fairmont Hotels & Resorts as the personalities and important hotel, as well as those entering From the legendary French made to feel while they were in Hotel operator, is overseeing this events. for the first time. Turning from the Chef Auguste Escoffier to modern the hotel. important restoration, and is Situated in its unique location busy Strand into the serene and day celebrity Chef Gordon The service culture of the new uniquely positioned to undertake overlooking the River Thames, iconic Savoy Court they will find Ramsay, the Savoy has always Savoy will speak directly to its this project having successfully and conveniently located the peaceful contrast of a striking set a high culinary standard of past, encapsulating the eras that transformed other such historic between Mayfair and the City, crystal Lalique fountain, adding cuisine in London. Much missed defined its style, thus creating hotels as the Fairmont San just a short walk from Trafalgar further enhancement to this unique by its loyal guests has been the Charm (Edwardian influence) and Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs Square, the Savoy’s closest hotel entrance. Savoy’s loved River Restaurant Spontaneity (Art Deco influence) in Canada and most recently neighbours include the theatres of Upon entering the Front Hall, due to re-open as part of the as its new hallmarks. managing the reopening of The the West End, the Royal Opera hues of celadon green and off- restoration. With its prime Plaza in New York. The Savoy’s House in Covent Garden, home white, classic Edwardian-inspired position overlooking Embankment The Savoy Training owners, Kingdom Holdings and to The Royal Opera and The English furniture, and timeless Gardens and with a view to the Academy the Bank of Scotland, have Royal Ballet, the National Gallery polished black and white marble River, its art deco–inspired interior Back in 1946 the Savoy invested over £100 million in the and the National Portrait Gallery, floors will blend beautifully with design and Modern French recognised that to be one of the restoration, and more than two the newly rejuvenated Southbank the restored mahogany paneled cuisine, it will evoke a vibrant and most luxurious hotels it had to years in the planning process, to Centre, which includes the Festival walls and ornate ceiling. Guests natural buzz and once again develop its own brand of ensure enough time is taken to Hall and the Royal National will be drawn to the wood become one of the most popular Hotelier. The Savoy Training fully understand and respect the Theatre; and in addition, the burning fireplace and the intimacy restaurants in London. Programme was therefore Savoy’s illustrious past so we can exciting regeneration of the of the Reading Room where The Savoy Grill’s special established and over the next 50 sensitively shape its future. Covent Garden area adds further those wishing to enjoy a ambiance, further enhanced in years garnered a reputation as When the Savoy reopens in interest and value to what is traditional registration can do so. 2005 by the Los Angeles interior being the ‘gold standard’ and the 2010, guests will enter an hotel of already an ideal location. For guests who wish simply to designer, Barbara Barry, will greatest training the Industry understated English luxury and relax or socialise in the hotel, the once again be expertly presided could offer. Although disbanded striking sophistication. An The Restoration of renowned American Bar with over by famed Michelin-star chef, in 1995, we are excited now at essential aspect of the planning an Icon baby grand piano awaits them. Gordon Ramsay and his team. A the opportunity to re-launch and process has been to ensure the The complex programme of Retaining its art deco-inspired private, 30-seat dining room will reposition it as the Savoy Training integrity of the hotel’s art deco restoration at The Savoy includes design, its barmen will be on replace Banquette – the casual Academy. The level of intense heritage from the 1930s and that the upgrading of all the signature hand to serve cocktail favourites upstairs restaurant above the Grill, training our colleagues will its original Edwardian features are river view suites in order to offer such as the famous “White Lady” with an outlook across the undergo when they first join the honoured. These two aesthetics guests the highest levels of - one of many famous cocktails Savoy’s main entrance. Hotel, and our ongoing will merge seamlessly thanks to luxurious design and comfort, with invented by Harry Craddock in Hosting Events has always commitment to their development the vision of interior designer, an additional array of aesthetic the American Bar which set been a vibrant part of the Savoy’s thereafter, will define the Pierre-Yves Rochon. Every design enhancements. The bathrooms London alight in the 1930’s. operations. Each of its 12 Academy and its ultimate success. decision has been tested against have been relocated away from A new first for the Savoy will function rooms offers unique the hotel’s commitment to the river frontage windows, be the opening of the Beaufort character and style, and none A Green Future preserve and restore those allowing guests to enjoy the most Bar, a luxurious 46-seat more so than The Lancaster An extensive level of infrastructure physical attributes, regarded – sought after river views from every champagne bar adjoining the Ballroom. First unveiled in 1910, work has enabled the Savoy, in and respected - as Savoy aspect of their suites. Of the 268 Thames Foyer. Fashioned in a The Lancaster’s interior design partnership with Evolve Energy, to hallmarks. Given the Savoy’s guest rooms, 174 are being sophisticated jet-black and was based on an 18th century fully embrace its environmental constant change and evolvement restored in the Edwardian-style burnished gold art deco-inspired Parisian Salon, with its soaring, responsibility. Examples include over its illustrious 118 year history, and 94 will be given a fresh colour scheme, its onyx leather decoratively-relieved walls and the replacement of the four identifying and understanding interpretation of the art deco bar will be flanked by scagliola ceilings and has always enjoyed enormous steam boilers with those elements has been one of style. A splendid new addition clad columns elevated upon the the reputation as the venue of energy efficient models, the the most challenging, yet will be the Savoy’s sumptuous very stage where the legendary choice for many signature events investment in heat recovery rewarding aspects of the design Royal Suite. Furnished at a cost Savoy Big Bands played for in the social calendar of the systems and the installation of process. of £2.5 million, this 3,400 sq ft guests during the “Stompin’-at-the- suite will stretch the full length of London scene. Supporters of state of the art in-room energy Savoy” dinner dances. control systems, clearly London Ahead the 5th floor and offer the most these great rooms will be For the Thames Foyer, the demonstrating our commitment to The Savoy has always taken its magnificent views along the River reassured to know that little here restoration sees the reinstatement reducing the hotel’s carbon lead from its historical and thus setting a new standard for will change. of a spectacular glass domed footprint and positioning itself as theatrical surroundings, and, set luxurious living and distinguished ceiling above an ornate gazebo Savoy Style the most environmentally against this background, it has personal service. centrepiece, bringing an intimacy Understanding all the elements responsible luxury Hotel in played its part in shaping the The Savoy’s public areas will and elegance to this wonderful that have made the Savoy so London. city’s cultural landscape over the delight our longstanding, valued room. Renowned as the perfect world-renowned has, and years by hosting many famous guests already familiar with the setting for a quintessentially

Palmer heads BEVERLY GRIFFIN Members’ only East, again MEMORIAL TROPHY dinner Friday Immediate Past President Duncan Founder Member Tony Elliott reports on this year’s hot weather event, November 20th Palmer, who worked so hard named after a former General Manager of the Savoy. 2009 during his year of Presidency has Another Members’ only dinner is This year was the 10th anniversary of the Savoy Gastronomes returned to Hong Kong. However planned to be held in London on Golfing Society and we played for the Trophy at Martin Harvey’s Duncan left the Langham on many Friday 20th November so home club, Malden in Surrey, in scorching temperatures, more akin to a high note, not the least was a please put that date in your dairy Mauritius than the UK. restaurant bill run up by four clients and further details will be sent out We had seven players, resplendent in Pink Shirts, SGGS Caps and on January 8th for £2,911! in due course. However, we can Socks, including Michael Duffell from Chicago, Peter Thomas from Duncan’s new address is Vice announce that, through the kind South Africa, Tony Elliott from France and Peter Banks from Yorkshire. President - Design, The Langham intervention of Martin Harvey, A truly international day. Hotels and Resorts and Managing we are being afforded the very Chairman Jim Sarton won for the third time - punching ever closer to Director - The Langham, Hong Kong special chance to dine in one of Christian Duffell’s record of 4 wins. Peter Banks and Tony Elliott were 8 Peking Road, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong London’s oldest clubs – Brooks’s joint second. Jim, who played brilliantly, also won the “Longest Drive” T (852) 2378 9556 F (852) 2782 5568 E in St James’s Street, SW1. duncan.palmer@ whilst “Nearest the Pin” was won by Christian Duffell. When not in the Far East Duncan can be found in Originally founded in 1778 and langhamhotels.com. Next year plans are underway to hold the match at Peter Bank’s Maida Vale or Torquay. named after its original “caterer” hotel, Rudding Park in Yorkshire in July, where we understand Peter is it was at that time fit for proposing a super “deal”. gentlemen who centered their For further details and for any Gastronomes interested in playing golf lives around gambling, gossip Annual Subscriptions please contact the SGGS Captain, Christian Duffell, whose contact and good dress. We are most If you have not already done so please let us have your annual details are in the handbook. fortunate to be allowed to hold subscription. The very modest amount of £25 helps to defray some of (Tony also reports that he is trying to put together a package for the our dinner there and extend our our costs; cheques should be sent to the Treasurer, Maggi Smit, 4 Paxton 2011 event to be played in Normandy, where he lives - spectators will grateful thanks to Graham Snell Road, London W4 3QX. [email protected] be most welcome.) the Secretary.

GNOME DE PLUME 7 AUTUMN 2009 GNome 2009:Layout 1 24/08/2009 10:19 Page 8

Savoy Trompe l’oeil finds “Rather flat” Legendary Toastmaster new home Ivor Spencer dies aged 84 Gastronomes with memories of the final rising of the dance floor in the as Noel Restaurant on December 31st 1980 will recall with a certain wry smile Coward said Gastronomes with a banqueting background may recall Ivor Spencer who presided at more than 1,000 royal occasions and tried to resurrect how the poor old “Savoy Dancers”, already well past their sell-by date, Christian and Toria Duffell or should that be “best before” date, had to perform on a floor that on the role of butler. Spencer’s progress from a working class background in were spotted east of King’s Lynn the East End of London to rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous being raised failed to meet the horizontal. Hence a rather precarious in Norfolk attending a birthday dance routine followed with well-worn feathers flying off battle weary Ra- was accelerated by a fascination with the world of glitz and glamour party hosted by the brother of and by his considerable gift for self publicity. But Spencer’s chief qualities Ra skirts for the last time. Subsequently, the Beaufort Room was created New York based Gastronome, from this space and well-known artist Lincoln Taber engaged to paint were his determination to succeed and an almost infinite capacity for and generous raffle-prize donor, hard work. One of his favourite stories was of the occasion when a several Tromp l’oeil on the dividing walls by the then Savoy’s Managing Suzie Mills. Director, and Honorary Gastronome, Giles Shepard. A third of Mr waiter spilt wine into Princess Margaret’s dancing shoes, which she Taber’s fees were allowed to be taken in food and considerable drink. had kicked off by her chair. Spencer surreptitiously took the shoes into On the closure of the Savoy in 2007 and at the subsequent auction, the kitchens, where he “baked” them in the oven before replacing them Kurt Wachveitl unnoticed. While most nine-year olds might have been playing football John Mayhew, long-time owner of London’s oldest restaurant, Rules in retires from Maiden Lane, purchased the complete Tromp l’oeil and Gastronomes or collecting stamps, the young Ivor was hanging around outside the can now see parts of it which have been carved up and positioned in Oriental Savoy observing the comings and goings of its privileged clientele. At an attractive club-like first floor bar at Rules only one hundred yards from Bangkok 15 he left school to train as a chef at the Dorchester and it was there he saw his first toastmaster. He glanced into the banqueting room, he the Savoy. This is a fitting resting place for a fine segment of fairly recent German-born legendary hotelier Savoy history. recounted later, and it was like a film set; full of diamond tiaras, ball Kurt Wachveitl, who took such gowns and a band. In the centre was the toastmaster and at that good care of the Gastronomes in Thornton moment he decided that’s what he wanted to be. He wrote to Long-haul March 2008 during our visit to banqueting managers, posting some letters in Manchester saying he was in China Bangkok, has retired after 41 an established toastmaster in the north seeking work in the south; and Taking advantage of some great years at the helm. Edouard David Thornton reports from his airline deals Andrew and others in London saying he was well-known in the south and wished to teaching post at Les Roches Swiss Ettedgui, CEO of the Mandarin expand in the north. He became resident toastmaster for 20 years at the Alison Barham are heading to Group, saluted this lifetime International Hotel School in New Zealand in February next Savoy. He was appointed MBE in 2002 and the author of A Shanghai where one of year for a break but hope to be achievement and announced his Toastmaster’s Story published in 1975 and Speeches and Toasts in his subjects is Brand recognition. back in Blighty to set off again in successor would be Jan 1980. time for the next reunion in Italy. Goessing. That man on the Andrew still works for merchant crossing outside the Mandarin The TV and a touch-sensitive Profile bankers Close Brothers in the City Oriental Hyde Park reports that screen by the bed will be the of London, meanwhile Alison a rather splendid dinner was held main control centres for celebrates beavers away at VisitEngland. there to mark his retirement co- occupants. Guests can choose Managing Director, and owner ordinated by none other than different lighting moods and of hugely successful global Short-haul Gastronome Rachel Angell. wake up calls and even a kind hospitality recruitment company Committee member and More recently Rachel has been of hangover-mode alarm Profile, Mark Norris and his Cotswolds-based Hugh taking care of Whitney where the guest can set a gentle wife Gail, hosted a wonderful Wainwright has a new role Houston who was in London to level of daylight for the room, opt party at the turn of the year in Harvey’s checking out standards at launch her new album. The 45- for the sound from the selected the private environment of the establishments for their ratings year old looked a picture of TV channel to rise very gradually Royal Thames Yacht Club, off-shore within VisitEngland. His wife Lynne good health, despite spending a and for the room temperature to where Mark is a member. There A trip down memory lane was in works for the Oxford decade out of the spotlight reach a precise level. Any was nothing private however order for Martin and Dee Constabulary in their Human fighting a high-profile drug and Gastronome heading that way – about the guest list. Amongst the Harvey who celebrated their Resources section. let’s hear from you – if you can several hundred guests were th alcohol addiction. 40 wedding anniversary by find your way to the door. most of the London hospitality returning to Guernsey where Five-star rival industry movers and shakers. they had honey-mooned. Before to the Savoy? Las Vegas Originally founded by former that they spent a long weekend Well-known UK house builder hotels – high Russian Savoy Training Centre Director, in West Dorset’s Jurassic Coast Berkeley Homes plans to build a the late Jacques Schnyder, and World Heritage site; stopping five-star hotel just down the road tech wizardry Poultry Mark, the duo made a off for lunch at the charming from the Savoy. Berkeley, in Our man in the sand reports that Goldfinger no longer. The formidable impact on the Montagu Arms in the New partnership with the Prudential has MGM Grand are trying to add Russian investment wave in relatively new way of “Executive Forest, once run by Savoy acquired the site for £30 million a bit of sparkle to room keys. As London, which saw former Search” process which previously former Banqueting Manager from insurer Liberty Life. The you put your key in the door, it Russian deputy finance minister had been a word-of-mouth affair. Nicholas Walford. Martin, 300,000 sq ft hotel, to be knows this is the first time you and oligarch Vladimir Based for many years in completed by 2012, will be at 90 former Secretary of London’s have entered the room, and the Chernukhin draw up plans to Hampstead, Mark can now be The Strand. iconic Garrick Club for thirty room says – let’s put on a show, create the first six-star hotel, with found in the heart of London’s years, spends quite a bit of time folks. As the doors open a 42 a Lutyens’ banking hall, in the Covent Garden at Maiden Lane, Ritchie’s WC2. When not there Mark on the golf course in between inch plasma flat panel television City of London, seems to be looking after twin grandchildren. celebrate can be tracked down indulging warms up to play music as the washed up. Adminstrators Grant Martin was recently spotted with his passion on the water, sailing. Seen in the glamorous curtains part. A high level of Thornton has taken control of the Chairman Jim Sarton on the surrounding of fashionable West former Midland Bank building in glorious fairways of Scotland, automation and technical End restaurant Cecconi’s were wizardry, being introduced at the City. The business, if one having rented a cottage in the Gastronomes Kirk and Sally And finally… MGM’s City Center can call it that, has defaulted on woods on the Moray Firth. Ritchie celebrating Sally’s For those interested, visit development which is due to a loan used to buy the building birthday in February and also the www.savoy2009.com which st open later this year, gives an – which had an old fashioned Sunshine 21 of their son Edward. vault that featured in the Bond has been created to offer Normally found in quieter idea what business travellers may State expect from hotels in the future. film Goldfinger. people an opportunity to stay Cestayrols, France, Kirk and in touch during the closure. Spotted amongst the salubrious camera-shy Sally are quite snazzy palm-lined boulevards of frequent visitors to Blighty and we Los Angeles was none other than hope to see them more often at Graham Bamford making an Cockin in town - Jane describes her French idyll our Reunions if time permits. French based Jane Cockin joined in the Summer 2009 reunion after an absence of some years and it was annual pilgrimage to his GSA Check out their web sites on based there to lubricate the wheels great to see her again. She reports on her happy life there – “Zahra is now 5 years old and in January she was www.tarnpropertyguide.com or joined by a little baby sister called Ophelia. Ophelia is now 14 weeks old. She is a very happy smiley baby. of the travel industry in the direction www.tarnresidences.com for full of his hotel – The Royal Garden. Life is calming down a little bit now. Zahra loves her little sister and loves riding her little Shetland pony called details! Their private home “Little Rumba” who no doubt will be passed on to Ophelia. Will have to negotiate with big sister! Graham and Janet recently number is +33 (0) 5 63 56 28 acquired a charming holiday home I have bought an old French farm house which is being renovated...its taking a long time in between looking 05. and home address is Lacalm after children and horses. This morning I had swopped my Todd’s for Hunter wellies and I am in the process of in Charmouth on the Jurrasic Haute, 81150 Cestayrols France. Coast of West Dorset, but such is emptying barns of tonnes of straw, and clearing out a lovely building which has the bread oven in. It will be my The office number for Bedford tack room. I have a Doberman and German shepherd type both rescue dogs bouncing around the court yard. the popularity of it they hardly get Ritchie is +33 (0) 5 63 33 11 89. to use it themselves. They will be able to protect my tack. I love my life in France though do miss my friends”.

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 2009 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 2009 by Julian Payne [email protected] and Anna Coakley with contributions from members Layout and design by Liz Nicoll [email protected] • Printed by Berrico Limited, 57–59 Churchill Road, London W3 6AU www.berrico.co.uk

GNOME DE PLUME 8 AUTUMN 2009