A celebrated French chef who helped put British fine dining on the map has visited the Isle of Man, stopping at a Sulby hotel and a local food supplier.
Pierre Koffmann, whose London restaurant La Tante Claire became the second in the UK to be awarded three Michelin stars in 1983, visited The Ginger Hall and Robinson’s Fresh Foods.
The chef was welcomed to Robinson’s this week alongside members of the Food Heroes team, which works with a portfolio of food brands including Koffmann’s Frites.
A spokesperson for Robinson’s Fresh Foods said the visit provided an opportunity to show the team around its business and discuss potential future collaboration.
They said: ‘We were delighted to welcome the Food Heroes family, including celebrated French chef Pierre Koffmann, to our business here on the Isle of Man.
‘With three Michelin stars to his name, Pierre has built an incredible reputation in the culinary world.’
The visit also included discussions about the possibility of Robinson’s supplying the full range of Koffmann’s Frites products.
The spokesperson added: ‘A big thank you to Pierre and the whole Food Heroes team for visiting us. It was great to have you here, and we look forward to the exciting possibilities ahead!’
Mr Koffmann also stopped at The Ginger Hall Hotel in Sulby, where head chef Michael Murphy was delighted to meet one of his culinary heroes.
Mr Murphy said: ‘I’m not often starstruck, today I’ve got to meet one of my legends, Pierre Koffmann. Thank you for popping by the Ginger to say hello.’
Born in Tarbes in south-west France, Mr Koffmann built his reputation in London, where La Tante Claire earned its third Michelin star in 1983.
He is widely recognised for his influence on British cuisine and has mentored a number of chefs who went on to achieve international success.