This Clerkenwell born stalwart ran a Fitzrovia restaurant named after her until she turned 90 but was cruelly ejected by Corus Hotels. Of why they retired her, Salvoni stated: “They said that at my age they can’t get insurance for me. But this is all double-Dutch to me”. Francis Bacon drove her “mad” and though Maria Callas was far from a favourite, she stuck up for Princess Diana and described Cameron Mackintosh as “wonderfully loyal”. With seven decades as maître d’ to the stars behind her, today’s generation of restaurateurs should take note. Gordon Ramsay, for one, could have learnt a thing or two about manners from her.
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Two stories to keep beside you
The Knightsbridge rose seller
A well-known fixture each and every evening at Knightsbridge restaurants including San Lorenzo and Scalini during the 1990s and 2000s
Alexander Fiske-Harrison
An Englishman who also happens to be a bullfighter, actor and writer.
Readers have their say
1 comment
She was so charming. Warm yet sometimes bossy too! Delicious Steak Diane at L’Etoile. She was a feature of my Soho days. As much an icon as Jeffrey Bernard and Norman Balon. Sadly, the characters are fading away