Gastro legend Heinz Horrmann dies at the age of 82
Heinz Horrmann, renowned gastronomy critic and Vox juror, died on June 19, 2023 in Berlin.

Gastro legend Heinz Horrmann dies at the age of 82
In news that has rocked the dining scene, respected restaurant critic and Vox judge Heinz Horrmann has died at the age of 82. This was announced today by his colleague Reiner Calmund, directly citing Horrmann's wife. According to pz-news.de, Horrmann died on the night of June 19, 2023 in his sleep in Berlin, where he was found by his wife.
Heinz Horrmann was born on January 26, 1943 in Düren and leaves an impressive legacy in the field of gastronomy criticism. His career as a journalist began with renowned media such as “Bild” and “Welt” before he became a fixture in the gastronomy scene. Vox.de reports that Horrmann worked as managing editor at “Welt” and “Welt am Sonntag” for over 25 years.
A life for the catering industry
During his career, Heinz Horrmann was not only a sought-after critic, but also a successful author. He published almost 40 books about travel and enjoyment and has received several awards for them. Among other things, he received the title of “Most Distinguished Hotel and Restaurant Critic in the World” from CNN and was honored with the Federal Cross of Merit for his services to the hotel and restaurant industry. He was also awarded the “Five Star Diamond Award” by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences – a testament to his exceptional commitment to the industry.
From 2007 to 2013, Horrmann was active as a juror in the Vox program “Die Kocharena”, followed by his role in the format “Grill den Henssler”, in which he was seen on screen until 2016. Calmund describes him as an expert with a “sharp tongue” whose opinions have always been highly valued in gastronomy circles.
A look at the gastronomy criticism
His work came at a time when gastronomy criticism was becoming increasingly important in Germany. According to Wikipedia, the establishment of this genre began in the 1960s. Critics such as Wolfram Siebeck and Gert von Paczensky contributed significantly to the popularity of restaurant criticism, with Horrmann securing a permanent place in the modern gastronomic landscape.
Gastronomy criticism is not just about evaluating food, but also about culinary developments and the culture of food as a whole. The critical voices, including Horrmann, have had a significant influence on gastronomy and food culture in Germany through their detailed work.
Heinz Horrmann will be missed by many colleagues and restaurant operators as a real great in the industry. His specialist knowledge and the passion with which he treated the subject of gastronomy will remain unforgotten.