Chefs turn out for Peter Kromberg memorial service

Michel Roux, Richard Shepherd, Brian Turner, David Pitchford and Michael Coaker were among the chefs who attended a memorial service for former InterContinental head chef Peter Kromberg, who died earlier this year at the age of 67.

Held at the Grosvenor Chapel in Mayfair, London, the service was attended by around 140 family, friends, and chef colleagues led by Kromberg's widow, Nicole, two sons, Jean Pierre and Olivier, and daughter-in-law, Vicky.

Tributes were paid by David Dorricott and David Nicholls who both worked for Kromberg during the 27 years he headed the kitchens as executive chef at the InterContinental London Park Lane, until his retirement in 2001.

Nicholls described Kromberg as "a real chef's chef as he seemed to know everything and everyone, yet at the same time was "unbelievably humble".

"There are so many people that Peter guided, helped, assisted, coached, encouraged; certainly I was one of those lucky people that could say they worked for Peter Kromberg," Nicholls said.

"I am not sure exactly, but it would be fair to say Peter spoke about six or seven languages," he continued.

"Seeing him at the pass during service was a joy. He would talk to any nationality in their language and explain the menu. People always liked and respected Peter because he was on everyone's level. Someone once said to me humility is a gift, and that being the case then Peter was exceptionally gifted."

Peter Kromberg, former executive chef at the InterContinental Park Lane hotel has died >>

Kromberg calls a halt to long kitchen career >>

By Janet Harmer

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