BRIDPORT humanist minister Leslie Scrase conducted flamboyant TV chef Keith Floyd’s funeral in Bristol yesterday.

Friends and family met at the 15th-century grade I-listed mansion, Ashton Court Mansion in the city that saw the launch of his career.

In a straightforward businesslike address, mixed with humour, Mr Scrase talked of the chef and his life.

Keith’s partner, Celia Martin, who was with him when he died at her home in South Street two weeks ago, has been liasing with him over what and how to say the final farewell to the man who has been her friend for more than 40 years.

Other Dorset friends and companions were among the invited guests.

One of those was Tim Quirk, former barman of The George and sometime drinking companion of the culinary celebrity.

He said: “There was lots of music, rock and roll, Bob Dylan, Elvis, all from the 60s.

“There was a tribute from a school friend ‘Widge’ Hunt who was at Wellington with him. Then Bill Padley sang the Keith Floyd Blues, which he had written for him in 2005 when he met him in Thailand.

“That was lovely, funny, and went down a treat.

“His son Patrick read ‘If’ and his daughter Poppy said a couple of words with enormous affection and joked that they might have to auction Keith’s lovely Bentley to pay for the funeral which was a lovely joke but I think there may be an element of truth.

“Then James Whitaker, who was his very close personal friend for many years, gave a very good address it was down to Earth and funny and realistic saying what an idiot he was and saying all his troubles were self-inflicted but we all loved him just the same.

“It was very funny and brought lots of applause. Celia appeared fine, very happy and very bright and coping remarkably well.

“I think Floyd would have approved .”

Mrs Martin chose a handmade woven coffin made from banana leaves – to be green and with a wry nod at his love of cooking with leaves.

After the private cremation at Canford Crematorium a lively reception at Bordeaux Quay ensured that Mrs Martin’s wish to see Keith off with laughter, food and drink was more than fulfilled.