Cateys 2024: Lifetime Achievement Award: Michel Roux

Michel Roux was born into a culinary dynasty, the son of Albert Roux and nephew of Michel Roux Sr, who together transformed gastronomy in the UK. 

While that legacy may have been daunting, Michel’s own influence on the hospitality industry has been just as profound. He moved into the family business after completing an apprenticeship and military service in Paris and is perhaps best known for his 31 years as chef-patron of the two-Michelin-starred Le Gavroche in London’s Mayfair, until its closure at the beginning of 2024. 

Le Gavroche, which was founded by his father and uncle in 1967, was the first British restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars and was celebrated and adored in equal measure. Its kitchen nurtured the talents of many chefs, including Marcus Wareing, Gordon Ramsay, Monica Galetti, Bryn Williams, Jun Tanaka and longstanding executive chef Rachel Humphrey.

As chef patron, Michel worked almost every service, overseeing the kitchen and dining room and guiding the team. His influence was recognised earlier this year when he received Michelin’s Mentor Award at the unveiling of the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2024. 

Michel has continued to nurture culinary talent through the Roux Scholarship, which was established by his father and uncle to give young chefs working in Britain the opportunity to train in the world’s best kitchens. In 2016 he and his cousin Alain took over as joint chairmen. 

Chef patron of Restaurant Sat Bains in Nottingham and 1999 Roux Scholar Sat Bains said: “The Roux Scholarship gives you the opportunity to expand your horizons and work in a top three-Michelin-starred restaurant of your choice. As well as that, there’s the support from the Rouxs, who are trying to give so much back [to the industry].”

In his career Michel has also overseen restaurants including Roux at Parliament Square, opened in partnership with Compass’s fine dining arm Restaurant Associates, as well as Roux at the Landau, at the Langham, London hotel, where he oversees the entire culinary offering including the Wigmore pub.

He has also served as a judge on Masterchef: The Professionals and presented Saturday Kitchen among other many other media appearances, during which he has acted as a spokesperson for the industry. 

The outpouring of love from the industry when Michel announced Le Gavroche would close in 2023 was seemingly boundless, with countless chefs and front of house professionals sharing personal stories of how the restaurant had shaped their careers. But while the restaurant’s doors have been closed, Michel is
showing no signs of slowing down. 

The Roux Scholarship has just crowned its 40th scholar, his media work continues (most recently in Roux Down the River) and he has announced a new opening, Chez Roux, with the Langham, London. There is still clearly much to come from this industry legend. 

Chef and media personality Brian Turner said: “Michel is a stellar example of a classically trained gastronomic chef combined with an acute business sense and modest television presence. Like his father, Michelin-starred, and a fine example to all aspiring young chefs and apprentices. He really does represent all that is premier class in the hospitality industry.”