Roux family join forces in new venture at Inverlochy
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THREE generations of chef royalty are set to shake up Scotland’s food scene as they join forces to open a top restaurant in the Highlands.
Albert and Michel Roux Jnr, supported by Michel’s daughter Emily, are to open the first of their co-branded fine dining restaurants at the world-famous Inverlochy Castle near Fort William later this month - it’s the first time all three have worked together.
It’s the next venture since Michel Jnr and Albert worked at Le Gavroche back in 1985.
Albert Roux, who opened the first British restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars, has the Chef Roux restaurant at Inverness’s five star Rocpool Reserve boutique in Culduthel Road and will lead the culinary dynasty as they open their new eatery this year.
Mr Roux is also closely linked with Charleston Academy where he opened the Albert Roux Kitchen last year – a training facility for budding young chefs.
The new Inverlochy restaurant will be intimate, seating up to 50 and will be run by chefs trained in Roux kitchens, whose graduates include Marco Pierre White, Marcus Wareing and Andrew Fairlie.
It marks the first time the father and son duo have collaborated in Scotland. They first worked together in 1985, when Michel Jnr joined the team at London’s Le Gavroche, which he now runs. Emily will also support menu development at the restaurants, making them a true family affair.
The trio will also open the Crossbasket restaurant on the outskirts of Glasgow, which will seat 25, on May 1.
Speaking of the new venture, Albert Roux OBE, KFO, who currently runs five Chez Roux restaurants across Scotland, said: “Michel Jnr and I are hugely excited about working together at these two fantastic locations. The ‘Albert and Michel Roux Jnr’ restaurants will offer menus in the style of Le Gavroche but with a contemporary Scottish twist, focusing on ingredients that are, as far as possible, local to each location.
“There is no doubt Scotland is coming of her culinary age. We have a population that loves food and is becoming increasingly aware of the fantastic produce in the seas, fields and forests.”
Michel Roux Jnr said: “There is so much fantastic produce and talent to be found in the area. I’m particularly thrilled about Emily coming on board – my father and I are classically French in style whereas Emily is slightly more contemporary in her cooking.”
Inverlochy Castle, which is in the foothills of Ben Nevis, has seventeen uniquely designed bedrooms and three dining rooms, amongst a range of indoor and outdoor facilities.
Both Inverlochy Castle and Crossbasket are managed by Inverlochy Castle Management International.
