Coworth Park to host 2024 Roux Scholarship award ceremony

The final award ceremony and dinner for the 2024 Roux Scholarship will be held at Coworth Park in Berkshire on 8 April.

Coworth Park is a Dorchester Collection property set in 240 acres of parkland. The 2012 Roux Scholar Adam Smith has been executive chef at the country house hotel and spa since 2016.

Woven by Adam Smith, which replaced Restaurant Coworth Park in September 2022, received a Michelin star six months after opening. It also won Restaurant Team of the Year at this year’s Hotel Cateys.

Following the Roux Scholarship ceremony and the announcement of the winner, guests will be treated to a three-course meal prepared by Smith and his fellow Scholars Steve Drake, who will cook the starter, and Kenneth Culhane, who will make the dessert.

Alain Roux said: “In our 40th anniversary year, we’re thrilled to be hosting our final award ceremony at Coworth Park. Not only is it a stunning hotel in a beautiful setting, it is home to Woven by Adam Smith, our 2012 scholar’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

"We’re looking forward to an unforgettable event in this spectacular new venue, with chef Adam leading a team of scholars to prepare a memorable dinner. We couldn’t wish for a better tribute and showcase for the Roux Scholarship.”

Smith said: “It will be a real honour for us to welcome the Roux Scholarship to Coworth Park for what will be its 40th year. To be able to cook for so many of my culinary idols and peers will be a real privilege. Being a Roux Scholar is something I hold very close to my heart so this will be very, very special.”

It comes after Thomas Keller, chef-owner at three-Michelin-starred US restaurants French Laundry and Per Se, was revealed to be the honorary president of judges for the 40th Roux Scholarship last week.

This year, competing chefs are required to submit recipes for one short loin of free-range gilt pork from the shoulder end; two pork kidneys with crackling; two garnishes, one of which must include sweet potatoes; and a sauce of choice.

Applications for the 2024 Roux Scholarship will close on 22 January.

The Roux Scholarship was founded in 1984 by the late Michel Roux Sr and his late brother Albert with the aim of training the next generation of chefs in Britain.