Alexis Soyer

Born in Meaux-en-Brie, France, in 1810, Alexis Soyer was chef de cuisine at the Reform Club in London from 1837 to 1850 and was considered the greatest chef of his era. He was also a philanthropist who organised food relief for the victims of the Irish Potato Famine and improved the diet and health of British soldiers during the Crimean War.