Richard Shepherd has died aged 77

Richard Shepherd was most famous for his time at Langan’s Brasserie and was one of the first British chefs to achieve a Michelin star in 1974 at London’s Capital Hotel.

Born in the Somerset town of Weston Super-mare in 1945, his career began as an apprentice in 1960 at the Mount Pleasant Hotel in Worcestershire.

His career saw him work in some of the best hotels in the UK and France includings Simpsons in the strand, before moving next door to The Savoy, The Grand Hotel, Cap Ferrat, France, followed by a couple of years at La Reserve de Beaulieu before he returned to work at the Dorchester hotel on London’s Park lane. Richard was one of the first English chefs to gain a Michelin star at the Capital Hotel London, where Richard joined in 1971 and was awarded the star in 1974.

 

 

 

 

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This was a huge moment as the guide at the time was dominated with non UK chefs. He took his classical French training and developed a simpler style of Haute Cuisine which saw him strip away much of the French tradition, he managed to simplify this and remove much of the stuffiness that was associated with this style of cooking -. making it more affordable and British something that became a huge success for him. He is probably most famous for his time at Langan’s Brassier on Stattron Street in Mayfair, just across the road from The Ritz Hotel London. The restaurant was joint owned by Peter Langan a notorious hell raiser and actor Michael Caine.

The restaurant which still operates today, was the place to be seen in the 1980’s with guests from Elizabeth Taylor, Mick Jagger, Marlon Brandon and many many more, who often went simply to observe Peter’s very loud and over the top behaviour. Richard was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours 2000 for services to the hospitality industry.