Gonzalo Rodriguez

Staff at the Savoy Hotel are mourning the death of Gonzalo Rodriguez, former deputy manager of the Savoy Grill, who had worked for the restaurant for 33 years.

Rodriguez, who died of a heart attack six months before he was due to retire from the London hotel, was "admired, respected and loved by everyone who came into contact with him", said general manager Michael Shepherd.

"Gonzalo took immense pride from seeing his apprentices develop - their success was his satisfaction," he added.

Rodriguez joined the grill in 1966 as a commis waiter. He was promoted to staff head waiter in 1983. The role made him responsible for training, and for 15 years he schooled hundreds of young waiters.

Rodriguez's funeral took place last week.