Perhaps the most influential, dynamic, and charismatic family in the catering industry. Across five decades of hard work, culinary expertise combined with a passion for championing young chefs and waiters, the influence of the Roux family can be felt across the globe.
Since opening their original Le Gavroche restaurant in 1967 in Mayfair, where brothers Michel and Albert took turns in the kitchen and dining room, they had one aim: “to achieve a global reputation for service and the quality of their cuisine”.
Early in 1972, with a series of successful London restaurants under their aprons, Michel and Albert looked further afield. Stumbling across a shabby old pub on the banks of the Thames in Bray, Michel had found their new flagship restaurant outside London. And so, The Waterside Inn was born later that year.
With their respective sons, Alain and Michel Jr following in their fathers’ celebrated footsteps, the brothers separated their business interests in 1986. Albert chose Le Gavroche whilst Michel took control of The Waterside Inn.
In the inaugural UK Michelin Guide, published in 1974, it was awarded one star, then two in 1977 and three in 1985. It is the only restaurant in the world, outside France, to have retained three stars ever since.
By 2002, Michel had passed on the reins to son, Alain who continues the tradition today in unique style, with a team of more than 60 at his side and a shared dedication to wonderful food and quality without compromise.
