Albert Roux

Albert Roux
Albert Roux
Born	Albert Henri Roux; Template:Birth date; Semur-en-Brionnais, France
Died	January 4, 2021 (aged 85); London, England
Occupation(s)	Chef, restaurateur
Years active	1950s–2021
Known for	Co-founder of Le Gavroche; mentoring Michelin-starred chefs

Albert Henri Roux OBE (8 October 1935 – 4 January 2021) was a distinguished French chef and restaurateur. Alongside his brother Michel Roux, he co-founded Le Gavroche in London's Mayfair, which became the first establishment in the UK to be awarded three Michelin stars. He played a pivotal role in training many chefs who went on to achieve Michelin recognition, and his son, Michel Roux, Jr., served as the head of Le Gavroche until January 2024.

Early life

Roux was born in Semur-en-Brionnais, France, into a family where his father was a charcutier. At 14, he initially contemplated entering the priesthood but soon redirected his ambitions toward culinary arts. His godfather, who had served as chef to Wallis, Duchess of Windsor, helped him secure a position at age 18 working for Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor.

Career

In his early career, Roux held positions at Cliveden and worked as a private chef for Sir Charles Clore and Major Peter Cazalet. Following his military service in Algeria, he returned to the United Kingdom to resume private chef duties.

Together with Michel, Albert Roux launched Le Gavroche in 1967 on Lower Sloane Street, London. The restaurant was groundbreaking as the first in Britain to receive one, two, and ultimately three Michelin stars by 1982. It attracted an elite clientele, including Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. In 1984, the brothers introduced the Roux Scholarship to nurture promising culinary talent.

Albert Roux was instrumental in mentoring renowned chefs such as Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White, and Pierre Koffmann. While he recognized Ramsay's exceptional abilities, his relationship with White experienced tensions.

Through Chez Roux Limited, established by his wife Cheryl, Roux expanded his culinary ventures internationally. This included venues like Greywalls Hotel in Muirfield, Roux at the Landau within the Langham Hotel, Roux at Parliament Square, and several Chez Roux restaurants. Partnering with his son Michel Jr., he also opened jointly branded establishments at Inverlochy Castle and Crossbasket Castle in Scotland.

In later years, Roux shifted focus toward providing high-quality country-style cuisine rather than pursuing further Michelin accolades. In recognition of their contributions to gastronomy, Albert and Michel were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from S. Pellegrino World's 50 Best Restaurants in 2006.

Personal life

An avid angler, Roux traveled worldwide to indulge his passion for fishing, especially favoring Scotland’s Highlands and islands.

At age 17 in 1959, he married Monique, his childhood companion; they had two children: Michel Roux Jr and Danielle. Their marriage concluded in 2001. After divorcing his second wife Cheryl Smith in 2016, he wed Maria Rodrigues in January 2018. Rodrigues is involved professionally as a partner in a services firm. His son Michel Roux, Jr. continued managing Le Gavroche, maintaining its two Michelin stars until January 2024.

Albert Roux passed away in London on 4 January 2021 after enduring a prolonged illness.

He was appointed an OBE in 2002 and received the title of Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur in 2005.

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