Yet, whatever his shortcomings, few perceptive people failed to be impressed by Mr von Clemm's originality, his enthusiasm and his drive.

ECONOMIST: Michael von Clemm

Michael von Clemm felt at home with many different tribes.

ECONOMIST: Michael von Clemm

The words carpe diem summed up Mr von Clemm's life.

ECONOMIST: Michael von Clemm

Second, and more improbably, Mr von Clemm, a gourmet as well a bon vivant, was an early and generous backer of the restaurant business of Michel and Albert Roux.

ECONOMIST: Michael von Clemm

Third, and most controversially, Mr von Clemm was among the earliest to spot the commercial potential of the redevelopment of the derelict docklands area of east London, where the skyline is now dominated by Canary Wharf, a building designed by Cesar Pelli which ranks among the tallest office blocks in Europe.

ECONOMIST: Michael von Clemm

The Roux brothers have acted as culinary evangelists in winning adherents for their fine balance of textures and flavours through Le Gavroche and their other outlets, including two restaurants which now have three Michelin stars: the Waterside Inn on the Thames at Bray and a Chelsea restaurant called La Tante Claire, it is said, after one of Mr von Clemm's aunts.

ECONOMIST: Michael von Clemm