03:01AM, Tuesday 11 October 2011
A legendary cafe owner who served the poeple of Maidenhead for decades has died.
Kenneth 'Ken' Jenner, of Jenners Cafe in Ray Mead Road, passed away on September 15, aged 83.
Born in Manchester on April 6, 1928, he moved to the Maidenhead area with his family at the age of six.
He started work at 14 and was an electronic engineer for 35 years.
After acquiring the popular riverside cafe in 1959, Ken served the people of Maidenhead until just a few years ago.
Renowned for his steak pies, apple and blackberry pie and chocolate cake, people would often remark he bore more than a passing resemblance to the Only Fools and Horses character Uncle Albert.
During the 50s, 60s and 70s Ken also worked in a number of other jobs, including head cocktail barman at the former Skindles Hotel, at Monkey Island Hotel in Bray, and at the Grovefield Hotel.
All of this was on top of running the cafe, which in its early years was only open at weekends.
Mr Jenner had lived for the last few years at Burnham Lodge in Parliament Lane following the death of his wife.
Together they had five sons including Royal Borough councillor Andrew Jenner (Con, Riverside), fourteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Andrew described his dad as 'big hearted' and said the cafe was 'his life'.
"He didn't go on holiday. He would never leave it," he said.
Ken's funeral will take place at 1pm on Wednesday, October 5 at Slough Crematorium, followed by a celebration of his life at Jenners Cafe from 2pm.
Anyone who knew Ken is more than welcome, in keeping with his motto 'the more the merrier'.
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Bereavement Notices Go to Section
Harold, Richard passed away last week, aged 71, after a long illness, very bravely fought.Born in Maidenhead in 1954, he moved to South Africa in the early 1980’s where he lived for nearly 15 years. Upon his return to the UK, he became a Publican, [more..]
WARNER JAMES JOHN (JIM) Sadly passed away on Sunday, 8th February, 2026, aged 95, with his Daughters by his side. Much loved Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad who will be greatly missed by family and friends.The Funeral is being held at St. [more..]
Potter Joyce Beryl - It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Joyce Beryl Potter on 1st February 2026 at Henley Manor Care Home, having just celebrated her 93rd birthday with all her family. Loved wife to the late Bernard John Potter and [more..]
Bradford, Christopher WilliamPassed away peacefully aged 87 years on 21st February 2026Chris will be greatly missed by loving wife Pauline, daughter Sonia, sons Mark and Neville, and all the family.A service will be held at Reading Crematorium West [more..]
JOYCE PAMELA POPEJOY Passed away peacefully on Friday 20th February 2026 Aged 93 She will be missed by all her family and her many friends. Funeral service to be held on Friday 20th March at 10.00am at Slough Crematorium Family flowers only. The [more..]
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