Gone too quickly however not with no battle, Laurent Chaniac (18 June 1970 – 7 July 2025), has left a gaping gap in our trade. Liked the world over by many hospitality friends, wine trade professionals and visitors, as a husband and father and as a buddy. A relaxed and decided man, Laurent remained optimistic and stoic until the tip.
A sort man with a heat smile and an enthralling sense of humour, Laurent contributed significantly to the artwork of hospitality service and sommellerie. As a wine guide in London, Laurent turn into highly regarded at providing final wine and meals experiences, with a selected concentrate on delicacies the place spices have been the drive.
His love for hospitality teamwork, for wine and winemakers was infectious. The ever-professional sommelier wine purchaser, Laurent assured respect, courtesy and honesty to all he crossed paths with, by no means patronising nor intimidating, he merely discovered methods to work harmoniously for the larger good with ease.
Laurent labored as normal supervisor for a few of London’s best eating institutions for over 25 years, together with L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, The Sq., Harrods, The Stafford Resort and later for The Cinnamon Membership and The Cinnamon Kitchen.
With experience, Laurent pioneered an unprecedented style revolution by way of matching wines to high-end Indian delicacies. Continuously researching and exploring find out how to create new wine-and-food experiences, matching spices, regional flavours, modern delicacies, and wines by way of distinction, concord and pure views.
Outcomes of Laurent’s contribution to the renovation of the London Cinnamon Membership wine lists have been nicely famous, the place he labored alongside chef Vivek Singh, one of many first cooks to place Indian high quality eating on the map, designing ad-hoc dishes matched to particular wines to ensure that the wine to turn into the seasoning factor of the meals.
Laurent’s information of wine spanned worldwide from classics areas to the lesser recognized, together with nations corresponding to Georgia, Croatia and Luxembourg. In addition to understanding standard kinds, Laurent appreciated wines with a pure character, as he developed a deep information and understanding of natural and biodynamic ideas and strategies.
In 2017, Wine Listing Confidential journal positioned Chaniac’s wine checklist for Cinnamon Membership at quantity 6, in an inventory of 350 prime London eating places. A longstanding wine decide at DWWA since 2006, Laurent was additionally a sake sommelier.
On 10 July within the Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi all’Immacolata in Noto, Sicily, Laurent was remembered as family members gathered and surrounded him with love and respect as he was lastly laid to relaxation. He’s survived by his loving spouse and younger daughter.
From the outpouring of feedback on social media and conversations had with lots of Laurent’s friends and shut pals since, he’s little question significantly missed and will probably be lengthy remembered.
The hospitality and wine trade extends its deepest of honest condolences to Laurent’s household and pals. Thanks for being you Laurent. The present of your mild, your heat, your sincerity, your humility and the sort experiences which you introduced so many we’ll always remember.
