Alexis Soyer (1810-58) was an extraordinary innovator. When he was 25 he moved from France to England and was soon head chef at the Reform Club. The following year he famously organised breakfast for 2000 for Queen Victoria's coronation. He wrote several cookbooks including The Modern Housewife or, Menagere 'Comprising Nearly One Thousand Receipts, for the Economic and Judicious Preparation of Every Meal of the Day, with those of The Nursery and Sick Room, and Minute Directions for Family Management in All its Branches.' Waitrose Food magazine comments: 'Soyer's food was French, fancy and formal, but he also deployed his skills to champion social causes.'