Mauro Colagreco named as named honorary president of judges for 2026 Roux Scholarship

Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco has been named as honorary president of judges for the Roux Scholarship final 2026.

The national final will take place at the Alain Roux Culinary School at the three-Michelin-starred Waterside Inn in Bray on 13 April 2026.

Colagreco founded fine dining restaurant Mirazur in Menton, France, in 2006. It won its first Michelin star within a year of opening and since 2019 has held three stars.

He runs more than 25 restaurants around the world, including three dining experiences at Raffles London at the OWO: Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at the OWO, Saison by Mauro Colagreco and Mauro’s Table.

In 2022, he was recognised by the French government for his services to the hospitality industry and was awarded the rank of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur. The same year, he became the first chef to be appointed by Unesco as a goodwill ambassador for biodiversity. He is also vice-president of hotel and restaurant collection Relais & Chateaux, taking the lead on the organisation’s World Culinary Council and its commitments to sustainability.

Colagreco said: “To guide, nurture and celebrate the next generation of chefs is not only a privilege but a vital responsibility. To inspire and encourage young culinary talents is to plant seeds of imagination and passion that will blossom for decades. By fostering their creativity, curiosity and dedication, we help shape the future of our craft and ensure that the spirit of excellence, innovation and generosity continues to flourish in kitchens around the world.”

Roux Scholarship co-chair Alain Roux said: “As one of the world’s most exciting and respected chefs, Mauro Colagreco’s global outlook, extraordinary achievements and commitment to excellence embody the values of the Roux Scholarship. At Mirazur, his uniquely crafted contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, shaped by French, Italian and Latin American influences, celebrates the vegetables, fish and bounty of the French Riviera, as well as the meat and game of the Côte d’Azur, creating food that is nothing short of magical. His generosity and dedication to nurturing young talent will inspire our judges and help mentor the next generation of Roux scholars.”

Co-chair Michel Roux added: “Our honorary president of judges Mauro Colagreco needs no introduction and it’s so exciting to have him with us for the Roux Scholarship final. I am fortunate enough to have dined at his beautiful destination restaurant in Menton, where his philosophy and character shine through. His artistic flair and imagination mean that every plate is a feast for the eyes.”

Colagreco will lead the judging panel alongside fellow Roux Scholarship judges: chairman Alain Roux, chairman Michel Roux, honorary patron Brian Turner, Emily Roux, Sat Bains (scholar 1999), André Garrett (scholar 2002), Simon Hulstone (scholar 2003), Adam Smith (scholar 2012), Lisa Goodwin-Allen and Mark Birchall (scholar 2011), James Martin, Rachel Humphrey and Angela Hartnett.

The 2026 Roux Scholarship entry deadline is midnight (11.59pm) on Monday 19 January 2026.

This year’s applicants will be required to create a recipe for four people consisting of the following:

• One Devon White slow grown, free-range chicken, eviscerated and weighing between 1.4kg and 1.8kg (maximum 2kg).
• 200g chicken livers, along with two simple or composed garnishes/accompaniments. One must be predominantly leek-based, with leeks as the main ingredient and flavour focus; the other can be a garnish or accompaniment of your choice.  One of these may be served separately, if preferred.
• A sauce must accompany the dish.

Eighteen regional finalists will be selected to cook their written recipe and mystery basket dessert challenge on 5 March.

Entrants must be employed as a professional chef in the UK and be aged 22 or above, but no older than 30 on 1 February 2026.

The winner will have the opportunity to undertake a two-month stage at any three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the world or create a bespoke training package to the value of £12,000.

The scholar also receives £6,000 to spend on educational opportunities and career development. An additional £6,000 is awarded to the scholar if they remain with their employer for 15 months after winning the competition.

Michel Roux Sr and Albert Roux founded the competition in 1984.