The Roux family is royalty as far as British hospitality is concerned. With Michel and Albert’s opening of the legendary Le Gavroche in 1967 and The Waterside Inn in 1972, they have invented the template for British gastronomy. In the UK Michelin Guide, first published in 1974, The Waterside won its first Michelin star, then received its second in 1977 and third in 1985. The three stars have been retained to this day, the longest spell of any restaurant in the world outside France (39 years) and fourth in the world in terms of longevity.
A world renowned chef, Chef Alain Roux joined his father at The Waterside Inn in 1992 and worked his way through the ranks before taking over as Chef Patron in 2002. Starting his career as an apprentice in pastry at Pâtisserie Millet Paris at the age of 16, Alain’s career has spanned more than four decades. In 2000, Alain became a Master Pâtissier in the International Association Relais Desserts, ranking him one of only 100 listed best pastry chefs in the world.
At The Waterside Inn, Alain works closely with Head Chefs, Fabrice Uhryn and Adam Wright and team. They devise new dishes together, always respecting tradition whilst adapting dishes to a modern interpretation, always ready to experiment with a new flavour or ingredient
Already boasting one of the best training kitchens dedicated to classic French cuisine in the UK, in 2023 The Waterside Inn opened its new Alain Roux Culinary School and Michel Roux Library, an inspired conversion of the late Michel Roux’s home and a first for a 3 Michelin star restaurant in UK. Overlooking the Thames and a beautiful culinary garden, the opening of the new School means the Roux family legacy is assured and there could be no better tribute to Alain’s father. Under the guidance of Alain and Chef Instructor, Michael Nizzero, a wide variety of classes offer hands-on opportunities to learn some Roux tips and recipes.
In 2018, Alain and his father, Michel, opened another beautiful family restaurant – Roux at Skindles Home - Roux at Skindles, a chic French-style brasserie and Cocktail Bar, just a mile upriver from The Waterside Inn, at Taplow Riverside in Berkshire. With its relaxed, informal vibe and stunning riverside setting, it is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and some classic brasserie fare.
Since 2016, Alain has been chairman of The Roux Scholarship The Roux Scholarship | Premier Competition for UK Chefs, alongside his cousin, Michel Roux Jr, having been a judge since 1999. Alain and Michel succeeded their fathers, to lead this world-renowned Scholarship, a beacon for British talent. Michel and Albert Roux founded their Scholarship in 1984 to promote young talented British chefs and enhance their reputation throughout the world. The Scholarship is the UK’s premier chef competition with many of its scholars having since gone on to win Michelin stars of their own.
Alain is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and a dedicated patron of charities including Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation, Hospitality Action, Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust and Swan Lifeline, a charity dedicated to protecting the Thames’ swans and wildlife.
It is hard to estimate the impact that Alain and his family continues to have in UK hospitality and around the world. The longevity and quality of the Roux family restaurants and the incredible work and profile of The Roux Scholarship has helped put Great Britain on the culinary map. Alain continues the momentum of his father and uncle in quietly evolving and popularising his trade across a generation.
