Winner Of The Roux Scholarship 2016 – and The Legacy Of The Roux Family on British Fine Dining

Harry Guy, support and development chef for the Eden Hotel Collection in Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire, has won the 2016 Roux Scholarship.

The Roux Scholarship is arguably the toughest chef competition in the UK – and it is most definitely highly respected. Now in its 33rd year, the final demands considerable technical ability and a working knowledge of the recipes and styles of Escoffier – plus a level head to stay calm and focused despite being faced with what is largely unfamiliar territory.

Guy beat five other finalists in a highly contested final held at Westminster Kingsway College, London, earlier this month, where they were asked to prepare and serve Norfolk black chicken cooked en croûte, cardoon gratin and tarragon sauce.

The 26-year-old chef, who made it through to the regional finals last year, was battling it out against Martin Carabott of the Royal Automobile Club, London, Ben Champkin from L’Enclume in Cartmel, Cumbria, Scott Dineen of Goldman Sachs (BaxterStorey), London, Paul Matthews from Fieldfisher (Vacherin), London, and Tim Peirson of Kensington Place, Kensington, London.

Commenting on Guy’s win at the 33rd national final, Michel Roux Jr said: “At first sight it could seem like this was a straightforward and simple dish. However there were a lot of potential banana skins and Harry’s dish showed exceptional all round skills.”

Alain Roux added: “Although it may sound simple we chose this dish because it’s technically challenging due to all the component parts. We were looking for suet dough with the perfect bite, chicken with maximum flavour, two well made sauces and correctly prepared soft cardoons. Once assembled the test was to cook the dish properly, without it becoming dry. It’s a pie – nothing more and a chef cooking in the UK should know how to cook a pie!”

Speaking at the awards ceremony Harry Guy said: “I was apprehensive at the start but figured it out ok. I was hoping for meat so that was good and I was happy with what I produced. It means everything to win! To be in close contact with the Roux family is invaluable and will really push my career forward as it establishes you in the industry.”

The six chefs, all under 30 years old had three hours to cook the Escoffier inspired recipe in front of the judges. Pierre Gagnaire, the legendary three star Michelin chef led the judging in a new role as Honorary President of the Judges 2016. First time chairmen of the judges Alain and Michel Jr, were also joined by James Martin, Brian Turner, the first scholar Andrew Fairlie as well as previous winners Simon Hulstone (2003 scholar) and André Garrett (2002 scholar).

Guy’s win was announced at a glittering awards ceremony at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, in front of an audience of prestigious guests, top chefs and leading figures from the world of hospitality. For the first time in the history of the competition the awards ceremony was live streamed via the Roux Scholarship website.

The Eden Hotel Collection chef, who previously worked at L’Enclume, receives £6,000, and an invitation to cook and train under the supervision of a leading chef at a prestigious three star Michelin restaurant anywhere in the world for up to three months.

The Roux Family Legacy on British Fine Dining

It has been said that if the Roux family had not decided to set up home in England back in the 1960’s we would all still be eating over-cooked meat and soggy veg. More than half the Michelin starred British restaurants listed today have chefs that have been trained by the Roux brothers or their protégées.

It was 1967 that Albert and younger brother Michel opened La Gavroche on Lower Sloane Street where it became the first restaurant in Britain to win a Michelin star, then the first to win two and the first to win three in 1982. The Roux Scholarship was set up two years later to help enable up and coming chefs get a head start in the industry.

They went on to open The Waterside Inn in lovely Bray (home of the Michelin star in the UK) the only restaurant outside of France to have held three stars continuously for 30 years.

The two restaurant’s are now run by their son’s, Michel Roux Jnr (Albert’s son) taking over the running of La Gavroche and Alain Roux (Michel’s son) remains at the helm at The Waterside.

Michel Roux (Snr) retired to Switzerland some years ago but Albert continues to run a series of restaurants around the world through his company Chez Roux Limited. Albert and Michel Roux Jr have also recently collaborated  on two jointly branded fine dining restaurant at Inverlochy Castle and Crossbasket Castle, along with Michel Jnr’s daughter, Emily.

Albert says he no longer chases Michelin stars for his restaurants, but instead seeks to “… recreate the kind of restaurant I remember from my home town, offering good and honest country cooking. The kind of place you can go to eat without ringing the bank for permission.”

The Luxury Restaurant Guide is proud to recommend Roux Restaurants and to offer club dining benefits to members.

 

Chez Roux at the Cromlix, Dunblane, Perthshire, Scotland

Chez Roux Restaurant, overseen by the legendary French Chef Albert Roux and run by award-winning Executive Chef Darin Campbell, is housed in the glass-walled conservatory overlooking the grounds and offers diners a ringside view of the chefs at work in their extensive open kitchen.

Members receive a 15% reduction from the total bill when enjoying lunch all week and dinner Sunday to Thursday. Click here for details.

 

 

 

Chez Roux at The Roxburghe Hotel & Golf Course, Kelso, Roxburghshire

Part of the ancestral estate of the Duke of Roxburghe, this is the place to go salmon fishing, shoot grouse or pheasant, play on the hotel’s own 18-hole championship golf course, or just chill out in the beauty salon and enjoy the cuisine in the restaurant run by Albert Roux.

Members receive a 15% reduction from the total bill for lunch and afternoon tea all week and for dinner Sunday to Thursday. Click here for details.

 

 

Chez Roux at Rocpool Reserve, Inverness, Scotland

Inverness’ ultra chic and multi award winning boutique hotel in the heart of the city with Albert Roux’s first Chez Roux opened in Scotland.

Member receive a 15% reduction from the total bill when having lunch all week and dinner Sunday to Thursday. Click here for details.

 

 

 

Chez Roux at Greywalls Hotel, Gullane, Scotland

The country house to escape to for a romantic rendezvous or for golfing aficionados for its views over Muirfield greens. Chez Roux opened  boasts French classical cuisine with a flair and lightness, using local produce as much as possible.

Member receive a 15% reduction from the total bill when having lunch all week and dinner Sunday to Thursday. Click here for details.

 

 

Chez Roux at Inver Lodge, Lochinver, Scotland

An adored retreat for gourmets for its Chez Roux Restaurant to unwind and relax in with the sheer spectacle of the natural environment offering endless explorations afterwards.

Member receive a 15% reduction from the total bill when having lunch all week and dinner Sunday to Thursday. Click here for details.

 

 

Roux at Parliament Square, RICS, Parliament Square, London

Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr is working in collaboration with Restaurant Associates, part of Compass Group UK & Ireland, to create a comfortable, exclusive, yet delightfully approachable dining experience in a landmark setting.

Members receive a 10% reduction from the total food bill when having lunch Monday to Friday. Click here for more details.

 

 

 

Roux at the Landau – The Langham, Portland Place, London

The formidable talents of Albert and Michel Roux, Jr. with their new talent Chris King – formerly from Le Gavroche, builds on the restaurant’s acknowledged standards of elegance and seamless service with exceptional new food.

Members receive a 15% reduction from the total food and beverage bill when having lunch Monday to Friday and dinner Monday to Thursday. Click here for more details.

 

 

Albert and Michel Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle, Fort William, Scotland

Dining at ‘Albert and Michel Roux Jr at Inverlochy Castle’ is a culinary experience to savour, with the legendary father and son taking the helm of the kitchen and offering the finest dishes using local produce.

Members receive a 15% reduction from the total food and beverage bill when having lunch all week and dinner Sunday to Thursday. Click here for details.

 

The Luxury Restaurant Club – Rewarding Fine Dining

Not a member? Why not treat yourself or a loved one to a year of dining in luxury for just £95.00 – click here to find out more.