Over the last 40 years, Britain’s culinary scene has been transformed. Comprising some of the most prominent figures in the industry, the Roux family has been hugely influential in this shift. Their extensive contribution in nurturing and developing the nation’s finest culinary talent is frankly unparalleled.
When The Roux Scholarship launched in 1984, there were just 33 Michelin-starred restaurants in the Britain and Ireland Guide; now, there are 188.
Having arrived in the UK in the late 1960s, brothers Michel and Albert Roux had grown increasingly frustrated at the lack of enthusiasm they met when trying to explore and develop training opportunities abroad for their young, passionate chefs. In launching their innovative Scholarship, the brothers set about changing that. It would be fair to say the family, and the UK’s culinary landscape, has never looked back.
The competition has had a dramatic, positive influence on the hospitality industry and continues to be a beacon of British talent throughout the world. Still very much a family affair, in 2016, Alain Roux assumed joint chairmanship with his cousin, Michel Roux Jr, both having been judges since 1999. This year, Michel’s daughter, Emily Roux, chef Patron of Caractère Restaurant in Notting Hill, joined as a judge for the first time.
It’s not just about being a good chef, it’s about how many people you inspire
Now regarded as one of the most highly respected in the world, The Roux Scholarship offers money-can’t-buy training opportunities for young professional British chefs and works to improve their reputation throughout the world.
Since the late, great Andrew Fairlie won the very first competition in 1984, it’s true to say many thousands of chefs have been inspired by the experience of competing. The fact that the quality of the chefs coming through just keeps getting stronger is itself testament to the profound impact The Scholarship has had and continues to have on the industry.
One of The Scholarship’s brightest young stars, April Partridge who won in 2023, sums up perfectly what makes The Roux Scholarship so special: “It’s just the most unbelievable competition. It’s not just about being a good chef, it’s about how many people you inspire. That’s what’s so great about it. There’s a sense of responsibility to share your skills and help make the industry even better”.
Roux Scholarship Masterclasses
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Roux Scholarship, The Waterside Inn is hosting a series of six exclusive masterclasses with Roux scholar chefs cooking for you in the fantastic culinary school.
Each of the immersive events will see a Roux Scholar dazzle guests as they demonstrate a signature five-course menu that reflects their unique vision and culinary style in a bespoke ‘Roux Scholar Masterclass’.
Taking place in the state-of-the-art Alain Roux Culinary School, each event is limited to six places as guests are taken on an extraordinary culinary journey, witnessing the intricate processes behind each dish, as the magic unfolds.
Then onto a Chef’s Table like no other, hosted by Alain Roux and his guest chef in the elegant ambience of the Michel Roux Library, where each course – meticulously paired with exquisite wines – will be served.
Providing an unparalleled opportunity to interact and get up close and personal with some of the UK’s most exciting and talented chefs, these one-of-a-kind fine-dining experiences promise entertainment, wonderment, fun and unforgettable memories.
“We are so proud that The Roux Scholarship continues to empower a new generation of young chefs to train in the greatest restaurants in the world, with many forging illustrious careers, opening their own restaurants and winning Michelin stars,” says Alain Roux. “And by inviting some of the winning Roux Scholars to demonstrate their culinary excellence, I feel they are ‘coming home’! We look forward to welcoming our guests to celebrate the art of cooking and the joy of sharing exceptional food and wine in a truly convivial atmosphere.”
3 October
Martin Carabott, 2018 scholar, Head Chef at Hide, London
10 October
April Partridge, 2023 scholar, Sous Chef at The Ledbury, London
17 October
Frederick Forster, 2000 scholar, Head Chef at The Gore, London
24 October
Oli Williamson, 2021 scholar, Head Chef at La Table de Montaigne in Bordeaux, former Head Chef at The Fat Duck
21 November
Hrishikesh Desai, scholar 2009, Chef Proprietor Farlam Hall, Cumbria
28 November
Adam Smith MCA, scholar 2012, Executive Chef at Coworth Park Hotel, Ascot, including Woven by Adam Smith
Discover more about each Roux Scholar, their bespoke menus and wine pairings here. Each event is limited to six places with tickets priced at £1,400 per person. A percentage of profits from these events will be donated to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust of which Alain Roux is patron. For more information, see waterside-inn.co.uk or email office@waterside-inn.co.uk
