Born in Tarbes, southwest France, Pierre Koffmann is one of the world’s most well-known and respected chefs. At the helm of The Berkeley, London, he combines traditional rustic cuisine, with modern fine-dining technique. Pierre cooks the kind of food he likes to eat. This is the food of the French countryside and of his grandparent’s farmhouse kitchen in rural Gascony.
Having completed his education at l’Ecole Hotelière Reffye, Tarbes , he worked in the kitchens of many of France’s restaurants, only to move to London in 1970 to complete his two year tenure at La Gavroche andThe Waterside Inn,Bray.
In 1977 he opened La Tante Claire in 1977,backed by Michel and Albert Roux, Michael Caine and Professor Von Clan and was awarded his first Michelin star in 1978, second in 1980, third in 1993, which he kept until2001. In 2009 Pierre Koffmann openedRestaurant on the Roof, Selfridge’s, London, a pop-up restaurant for London Restaurant Festival.
Working as a consultant, cookbook author and culinary pioneer, Chef Koffmann is an ambassador for French moderncuisine.
Describe your culinary philosophy in 5 words…
Apprendre coûte et savoir vaut.(To acquire skill is costly and knowledge is valulable)
What is your greatest inspiration?
Escoffier Book byGeorges Auguste Escoffier.
If you could take a plan ride to anyrestaurantin the world, just for one meal, where would you go?
There are so many I love, my choice is dependent on my mood… The one that springs to mind at the moment is Bacon at Capd’Antibes. They do a delicious bouillaisse there.
What three things would you take to a desert island?
A fishing rod to fish, a barbeque to cook them and sun cream SPF 50.
- AA Restaurant Guide – five rosettes
- Good Food Guide – 10/10
- Awarded the Ordre du Mérite (Chevalier) – (French equivalent of a Knighthood)
- 3 Michelin stars
Wilton Place
Knightsbridge
London SW1X 7RL
United Kingdom
+44 (0)20 7235 6000