Marco Pierre White spiced up a Norwood business breakfast last Friday with some colourful anecdotes and a few trenchant opinions on fellow celebrity chefs.

Speaking about Gordon Ramsay, he opined: “If Gordon was made of chocolate he would eat himself.” However, he would quite happily be marooned with Heston Blumenthal. “As well as being a very intelligent man who could provide me with excellent conversation, I would get 18 courses every night for dinner.”

He also offered breakfasters at Holborn’s Chancery Court Hotel his recipe for surviving the economic downturn. “During a recession most people lower their prices. I have survived because I raise mine”.

The chef’s appearance — in response to a request from good friend and Norwood president Richard Desmond — attracted a turnout of 180 and the breakfast raised over £77,000.