Michel Roux, French-English chef and author

Michel Roux, OBE (pronounced [mi.ʃɛl ʁu]), an esteemed French chef and restaurateur, left an indelible mark on the culinary world, particularly in Britain, before his passing on 11 March 2020 at the age of 78 (born 19 April 1941). Often referred to as Michel Roux Snr., he, alongside his equally influential brother Albert, revolutionized fine dining in the United Kingdom, bringing a new level of sophistication and classical French technique that had previously been scarce.

Pioneering Culinary Excellence in Britain

The brothers embarked on their gastronomic journey by opening two seminal restaurants that would forever change the landscape of British cuisine. Their first venture, Le Gavroche in London, quickly ascended to prominence, eventually becoming the first restaurant in Britain to achieve the coveted three Michelin stars – a monumental accomplishment that set a new benchmark for culinary excellence. Following this success, they established The Waterside Inn in Bray, Berkshire, a picturesque establishment that made history as the first restaurant outside of France to proudly hold three Michelin stars for an astonishing 25 years, a testament to its consistent, unparalleled quality.

A Shared Passion and a Transformative Impact

Michel's path into the culinary arts mirrored that of his elder brother Albert, beginning with a foundation as a pastry chef before venturing to England to launch their first restaurant. Their collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to perfection earned them widespread acclaim, leading many to affectionately describe them as the "godfathers of modern restaurant cuisine in the UK." This epithet perfectly encapsulates their profound influence in elevating the standards of British gastronomy, inspiring a generation of chefs and shaping dining culture. Their pioneering efforts introduced classical French cooking with meticulous detail and a dedication to fresh, high-quality ingredients, fundamentally transforming the perception and reality of fine dining outside of the traditional French culinary heartlands.

Accolades, Service, and Legacy

Michel Roux's exceptional contributions were recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his illustrious career. He was inducted into several esteemed French orders, a recognition of his cultural impact and a nod to his French heritage, and he received two lifetime achievement awards from different publications, acknowledging his enduring influence and unwavering dedication to the culinary craft. Prior to his restaurant ventures, Roux also served his country with distinction, being decorated for his service to France during the 1960s, a period of national service that instilled a sense of discipline and purpose.

Beyond the kitchen, Michel and Albert established the Roux Brothers Scholarship in 1984. This groundbreaking initiative has since become one of the most prestigious competitions for aspiring chefs in the UK, offering an invaluable opportunity for young culinary talent to gain experience in some of the world's finest restaurants, thereby ensuring the continuation of their legacy of excellence and mentorship. Michel also lent his expertise as a consultant for major corporations, including British Airways and Celebrity Cruises, showcasing his broad appeal and trusted judgment in elevating the dining experience across various sectors.

The Waterside Inn and Public Engagement

In 1986, the brothers amicably decided to divide their burgeoning business empire. Michel took stewardship of The Waterside Inn, which he meticulously nurtured for many years before gracefully handing over the reins to his son, Alain Roux, in 2002. This transition ensured the continuation of the family's culinary heritage, with Alain successfully maintaining the restaurant's esteemed three Michelin star status. Even after stepping back from the day-to-day operations of The Waterside Inn, Michel Roux remained a vibrant and active figure in the food world. He was a prolific food writer, sharing his vast knowledge and passion through various publications, and a familiar face on television screens. He made regular appearances on popular shows such as Saturday Kitchen and MasterChef, captivating audiences with his charm and culinary wisdom. He also featured in The Roux Legacy, a family-centric series that delved into the dynasty's profound impact on gastronomy, and shared his insights on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour programme, demonstrating his broad appeal and enduring relevance across various media platforms.

FAQs

Who was Michel Roux?
Michel Roux was an iconic French chef and restaurateur who, along with his brother Albert, significantly influenced modern fine dining in Britain. He was celebrated for co-founding pioneering restaurants like Le Gavroche and The Waterside Inn.
What were Michel Roux's most famous restaurants?
His most famous establishments were Le Gavroche in London, which became the first restaurant in Britain to earn three Michelin stars, and The Waterside Inn in Bray, which was the first restaurant outside France to maintain three Michelin stars for 25 years.
What is the significance of the "godfathers of modern restaurant cuisine in the UK" title?
This title highlights Michel and Albert Roux's profound impact on elevating culinary standards and techniques in the United Kingdom, introducing classical French fine dining and inspiring a new generation of British chefs.
When was the Roux Brothers Scholarship founded and what is its purpose?
The Roux Brothers Scholarship was founded in 1984. It is a prestigious competition for young chefs in the UK, providing them with opportunities to train and gain experience in leading international kitchens, thus fostering new talent in the culinary industry.
Who took over The Waterside Inn from Michel Roux?
Michel Roux handed over the management of The Waterside Inn to his son, Alain Roux, in 2002, who continues to successfully run the renowned three-Michelin-starred restaurant.
What other contributions did Michel Roux make to the food world?
Beyond his restaurants and the scholarship, Michel Roux was an active food writer, a consultant for companies like British Airways, and a popular television personality, appearing on shows such as Saturday Kitchen and MasterChef, and even on radio programmes like BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour.