Roux Scholars to head to Mexico

The Roux Scholarship has confirmed it will be taking its scholars to Mexico this year as part of its programme of biennial educational trips.

The chefs are expected to spend up to 12 days there in autumn 2025, with further details yet to be finalised.

Last year, 10 previous scholars travelled to Sweden to have a culinary experience of Stockholm, Malmö and the Skåne region.

The first trip was organised by the late scholar Andrew Fairlie, who took the chefs to Gleneagles in Scotland 20 years ago.

Since then, it has taken place every two years (excluding Covid), with the aim of inspiring scholars to immerse themselves in different cultures and cuisines.

In a message to supporters of the Roux Scholarship, Alain Roux, chef patron of the three Michelin-starred Waterside Inn, wrote: “We seek to include experiences offering special activities, lending a unique insight into the culinary and hospitality scene in the locations.  In particular, places off the tourist path, special bespoke visits and trips, especially the chance to meet artisans, those with a passion for life and what they do, whether interesting suppliers, artisans, wine makers, bars, Michelin star dining or street food!”

The announcement comes after the Roux Scholarship, which celebrated its 40^th anniversary this year, prepares to host a series of intimate chef’s table events at the Waterside Inn in Bray.

From September to November, a Roux Scholar guest will showcase a signature five-course menu in the style of a Roux Scholar Masterclass, starting in the Roux Culinary School and ending in the Michel Roux Library.

Each event is priced at £1,400 per person, limited to six guests, with a portion of profits going to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, of which Alain Roux is patron.

Further details for each Roux Scholar Masterclass can be found below:

Thursday 5 September 2024, 8.30am - 4.00pm

‘The Double Act’: Kenneth Culhane (Roux Scholar 2010) - head chef, the Dysart Petersham & James Carberry (Roux Scholar 1992), senior lecturer, Technical University, Dublin

Thursday 3 October 2024, 8.30am - 4.00pm

Martin Carabott (Roux Scholar 2018) - head of development, Luca

Thursday 10 October 2024, 8.30am - 4.00pm

April Partridge (Roux Scholar 2023) - sous chef, the Ledbury

Thursday 17 October 2024, 8.30am - 4.00pm

Frederick Forster MCA (Roux Scholar 2000) - head chef, the Gore

Thursday 24 October 2024, 8.30am - 4.00pm

Oli Williamson (Roux Scholar 2021) - head chef, La Table De Montaigne, Bordeaux

Thursday 21 November 2024, 8.30am - 4.00pm

Hrishikesh Desai (Roux Scholar 2009) - chef proprietor, Farlam Hall

Thursday 28 November 2024, 8.30am - 4.00pm

Adam Smith MCA (Roux Scholar 2012) - executive chef, Coworth Park