Michel Roux To Open A New Restaurant At The Langham
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6 months ago
Hot off the heels of Le Gavroche's closure, Michel Roux is back
Earlier this year, Michel Roux said goodbye to his family’s long-standing restaurant, Le Gavroche. But the 63-year-old chef won’t be retiring anytime soon: this spring, he’s launching a new restaurant at The Langham, Chez Roux.
Chez Roux Opening At The Langham
Set to open this May within the hotel’s opulent Palm Court, Chez Roux is inspired by Roux’s childhood in rural Kent back in the 1960s. He grew up at the Fairlawne estate, where his father, esteemed chef Albert Roux OBE, worked as a private chef for the Cazalet family, before launching Le Gavroche in 1967.
The menu will include Roux’s take on Welsh Rarebit, made with Montgomery cheddar, Worcestershire sauce and pickled walnut; and Lamb Chops Reform, a twist on Alex Soyer’s 1830s classic, made with herb-crusted lamb and Reform sauce. Roux will also be serving one of his all-time favourite dishes: grilled lobster with garlic butter and fries – something he recalls eating at Le Gavroche as a child.
All this can be enjoyed alongside a selection of premium wine and champagne, plus cocktails inspired by the ‘60s – there’s a Queen’s Dubonnet, for instance, and a Madeira Cobbler.
Speaking about the launch, Roux said: ‘I have such fond memories of growing up at Fairlawne, where my father spent seven years cooking for the Cazalet family. From relaxed lunches to extravagant dinner parties, it’s safe to say everyone ate very well!
‘Dad had to learn the great British classics but used all his French technique and skills to cook for the family and esteemed guests. When my parents had to cook dinner parties, the wife of the head butler, Mrs Bradbrook, would babysit, introducing me to the wonders of great British desserts such as crumble and custard, and steamed puddings.
‘The menu at Chez Roux is inspired by these early memories. Many of the recipes that were popular during the 60s have been consigned to history, yet there is so much to love about the dishes I remember from this time – British classics combined with traditional French techniques.’
Chez Roux will replace The Good Front Room, Dom Taylor’s restaurant, which is closing following a 10-month residency. It’s a year of new launches for The Langham: the hotel has also recently welcomed Mimosa, the first London outpost of the Parisian restaurant.
Chez Roux will open on 22 May 2024. thelangham.co.uk