Latest news with #MichelRoux
The Independent
16-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
‘Le Gavroche at Sea': The Cunard cruise where you can dine with Michel Roux
Cunard has unveiled plans to serve its popular Le Gavroche at Sea residencies with Michel Roux aboard its newest cruise ship Queen Anne next year. The Michelin-starred chef will host four exclusive dining experiences for passengers on select Cunard cruises. Each Le Gavroche at Sea residency features a five-course tasting menu served in Sir Samuels. Three residencies will take place on seven-night Norwegian fjords voyages in May, August and November. Prices start from £799 per person, departing from Southampton on 30 August 2026, and go up to £999 per person for the earlier May sailing. Alternatively, Roux will be on board for an Iceland and British Isles itinerary in July 2026, with prices starting from £1,649 per person. Passengers will need to book quickly, though, as guest numbers are limited to just 50 diners per evening. Roux will also host live cooking demonstrations in the Royal Court Theatre during the sailings and will take part in speaking sessions and book signings. It will be the third year of the partnership, which began in 2024 and was sold out this year. Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, said: ' Le Gavroche at Sea has quickly become one of the highlights of our voyages, and we're thrilled to welcome Michel back to Queen Anne for a third season. His passion for creating memorable dining experiences is a perfect match for Cunard's commitment to excellence. Our guests often tell us how special these evenings are – and we expect 2026 to be even more unforgettable.' Roux added: 'Bringing Le Gavroche to sea with Cunard has been an absolute joy. The warmth of the guests, the elegance of the ships, and the shared love of fine dining make it something truly unique. I'm delighted to return next year and to once again share the spirit of Le Gavroche in such a spectacular setting. 'Each residency is a chance to connect, to create, and to celebrate food in a way that's both refined and relaxed.'
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Top chefs' reveal bizarre homemade snacks they swear by - including a Marmite 'calzone' and bacon topped vanilla ice cream
Britain's top chefs have revealed their guilty pleasure snacks, ranging from the typical - biscuits - to the more unconventional, such as bacon topped vanilla ice cream. Cooks from the UK and beyond have shared what the reach for when they're peckish in a new interview with The Times; and some of the answers may have you questioning their culinary tastes. Legendary French-born restaurateur Raymond Blanc, of Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons in Great Milton - which holds two Michelin stars - was first to dish the secret on his favourite between-meals munch. He may be one of the finest chefs in the world, but the self-taught 76-year-old loves nothing more than a simple spoonful of cottage cheese drizzled with maple syrup, telling the publication he didn't have 'many unusual favourite snacks'. Meanwhile, Michel Roux, once the owner of the two Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Gavroche in London, admitted to combining two peculiar food items in an unlikely sweet and savoury fusion. 'I have to say that a tangy cheese on a digestive is rather nice, and I could live on cheese for sure, but what I really love to snack on is saucisson sec... on good crusty bread with lots of salted butter,' he told the publication. Even royal-related tastebuds are partial to an unusual treat, as Tom Parker-Bowles, 50, revealed. The son of Queen Camila admitted he enjoys chowing down on 'cheap American-style cheese slices', insisting on corner shop versions only, topping it with cracked black pepper and Tabasco. Next, Emily English, an online nutritionist and now the author of a #1 Sunday Times bestseller cookbook, So Good, also shared her most unwonted treat. The 29-year-old loves nothing more than to tuck into a bowl of full-fat yoghurt topped with a salted rice cake, peanut butter, honey, and a handful of frozen raspberries - a treat that she insisted 'tastes like a popcorn ice-cream sundae'. Another chef revealed their unusual twist on a classic bowl of vanilla ice cream. Elliot Hashtroudi, head chef at London's Camille, a French restaurant serving up regional classics, confessed to stirring bits of cooked bacon into his ice cream. The chef said he became inspired to try the unlikely but 'amazing' combination after noting how well a burger and milkshake go when eaten in conjunction. Hannah Evans, deputy food editor at The Times, said hers was what she called a Marmite and cheese 'calzone', which involved microwaving the two ingredients smushed into a tortilla wrap. She professed that the snack would likely ruffle some feathers among Italian traditionalists, describing it as her 'particularly indulgent' treat reserved for days when 'nobody else is home'. Elsewhere, chef and restaurateur of Michelin star Pollen Street Social, Jason Atherton, also enjoys tucking into a simple sandwich. Brimming with British classics, the 53-year-old said his staple snack sarnie is filled with cocktail crisp sandwiches, grated cheddar and HP Sauce. And Theo Randall, who specialises in Italian cuisine and has previously earned a Michelin star working The River Cafe in London, said his favoured choice was a slice of buttered sourdough with salted anchovies and a squeeze of lemon. Elsewhere, José Pizarro, chef and restaurateur, who runs José Pizarro Group, which currently includes six restaurants in the UK and one in Abu Dhabi, added that he enjoys mussels on salt and vinegar crisps. It comes amid a delicious time for foodies, as Deliveroo has recently revealed the top takeaway restaurants in the UK, including a TikTok viral sandwich shop and high street bakery Gail's. The winners of the food delivery platform's annual awards were announced on Wednesday, based on 160,000 customer votes and the verdict of a panel of judges; Deliveroo founder Will Shu, food critic Jimi Famurewa and Tilly Ramsay. Winners were split across five different categories including independent businesses on both national and regional levels - and a new category sponsored by darts sensation Luke Littler who uncovered the nation's best kebab. The most prestigious accolade, the Independent Restaurant of the Year UK & Ireland, won by trendy London sandwich shop, Crunch, based in Spitalfields Market. Competing against Crunch for the crown, were restaurants who'd already picked up regional awards, including a Leeds cake shop and Bristolian fast-food chain. Each were judged by the panel on brand personality, food quality and value, packaging and presentation, customer reviews and loyalty, innovation, and going the extra mile. First place winner Crunch, a brioche bread sandwich pop-up shop, was awarded two prizes. After being crowned the International Restaurant of the Year for Greater London, it went on to battle against the other regional winners before winning the national category too. The self-described 'experimental' eatery, which opened in 2022, shone brightest with its 'Patty Melt', a sarnie containing truffle beef, red Leicester, and black truffle mayonnaise on golden brioche, which was the most popular dish on Deliveroo. Having amassed a cult following on social media, the trendy bap makers were praised for their string of five star reviews, and by judges 'for creating a new era of game-changing sandwiches and their fearless approach to cooking.' Regional categories were won by a mixture of pizza, cake and salad outlets. In Belfast, health food restaurant and burrito bar, Seed, won the Independent Restaurant of the Year for Ireland. Serving acai bowls, superfood salads, burritos and smoothies, health conscious Seed won the hearts of the Irish. Scotland preferred pizza over salad, with the nation nominating Big Manny's Pizza as their winner. The Aberdeen-based eatery serves a range of decadent cheesy pies and is famed for their unrivalled meat specials and 18-inch pizzas, available by collection only. Bristol won on burger and chips with the city's Oowee Diner located on North Street, winning the area for its burgers, tasty dips and loaded dirty fries. Get Baked, a cake shop and bakery located in Leeds, took home the crown for Manchester and Leeds. The eatery has amassed a cult following online, in particular for its Bertha cake, a huge layered chocolate cake that was inspired by the Roald Dahl tale Matilda. Leeds was also the destination for the winner of the Luke Littler x Deliveroo Best Kebab Award, with the city's Sqew Shawarma Bar nabbing the title. The darts prodigy shortlisted ten 'Litter-approved' venues, all of which went to a public vote with Sqew Shawarma Bar, coming out top. Sqew's Khobez kebab with chicken, salad and sauce, was a notable mention. Additional awards were granted in acknowledgment of other hospitality strengths, including Deliveroo's Above and Beyond awards. Divisive high-street bakery, Gail's, was also given a Heart of the Community award across the nation, a win that will no doubt come as a surprise to those who have accused the chain of 'gentrification'. The bakery was at the heart of fierce debate last year, as locals in a number of locations, including Worthing and Wandsworth, fought back against plans to build new outlets on their high-streets. Others in the category included the Environmentally Sustainability award, given to Bujo in Dublin, the Customer Obsession award, which went to Burger Me Up in Birmingham, and the Rider Love award given to Thunderbirds, a chicken restaurant with various outlets across London. The Icon awards also showcased the talents of UK restaurant owners, with Naeem Aslam, Director of Aagrah Leeds winning the Lifetime Achievement, and Rich Myers, Founder of Get Baked scoring the Changing the Game award. The Rising Star award went to Enrico Pinna, Co-Founder of Ad Maiora, in Manchester. The Role Model award was given to Tim Vasilakis, Founder of The Athenian, which boasts multiple locations across the UK, including in London, Bristol and Sheffield. Reflecting on the overall winner of this year's Deliveroo awards, Jimi Famurewa, food critic and Deliveroo restaurant awards judge, said: 'It's an honour to be a returning judge for Deliveroo's UK & Ireland restaurant awards, and I was blown away by the passion and talent on display at the Independent Restaurant of the Year cook-off. 'Each finalist brought something unique and delicious to the table, making the final decision incredibly tough for us. 'However, Crunch from London stood out amongst the fierce competition, showcasing immense creativity, fine dining-level technique and mindblowing flavour that impressed us all.' Michael Medovnikov, Co-founder of Crunch: 'From our humble beginnings in a Shoreditch pub to winning Independent Restaurant of the Year for UK & Ireland with Deliveroo in just a few years – it's an absolutely surreal and incredible feelinh. We poured our hearts into every single sandwich we've made for our customers, so this award is for our amazing team and all the customers who've supported us from the start of this wild journey. Thank you to Deliveroo and everyone who voted for us to receive this amazing recognition!'
Web Release
22-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
THE LANGHAM MARKS 160TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GLOBAL SUITE OF SYMBOLIC GUEST OFFERINGS AND VIBRANT CHARITABLE INITIATIVES
Langham Hospitality Group (LHG) has unveiled an international array of activities to honour the 160th anniversary of its luxury hotel brand, The Langham Hotels and Resorts ('The Langham'), which on 10th June marks the opening date of its debut property, The Langham, London. Established in 1865 as Europe's first Grand Hotel, the storied institution is widely credited with defining luxury hospitality, a practice LHG has continued to uphold through its expansion of The Langham and its services across 18 destinations and four continents. 'The 160th anniversary of The Langham is not just a milestone for our namesake, but for the luxury hospitality world at large,' Langham Hospitality Group CEO Bob van den Oord said. 'In recognition, we've created some truly extravagant guest offerings across the brand's global portfolio. Many of our hotels are also marking the occasion with the launch of new purpose-driven initiatives to raise proceeds for local charities, demonstrating our Group-wide commitment to both building great memories for our customers and giving back to the many communities that have supported us over the years.' A Legacy of Luxury: Discover The Langham's Most Exceptional Journeys Yet When The Langham, London opened its doors in 1865, it reinvented what a hotel could be – introducing unheard-of luxuries like electric lights, hydraulic lifts, and air conditioning. It was a bold vision of modern comfort that set the standard for generations to come. Today, we honour that spirit of innovation with a series of extraordinary packages designed to surprise, delight, and inspire. Crafted by The Langham hotels around the world, each offers a contemporary expression of the brand's enduring promise: to push the boundaries of what luxury can be. Chief among the offers is the Langham Legacies Package*, an extraordinary six-night journey for six guests across two of the brand's most iconic destinations. Just as the original hotel in London ushered in a new era of luxury, the transatlantic experience is designed to redefine what today's traveller can expect from a celebratory escape. Beginning with three nights in the Empire State Penthouse Suite at The Langham, New York, Fifth Avenue, guests are enveloped in modern grandeur – complete with floor-to-ceiling views of the Empire State Building. A sommelier-led Chef's Table experience at the award-winning Ai Fiori, followed by an exclusive cocktail reception on the 102nd floor of the Empire State Building, celebrates New York's spirit of ambition and elegance. From there, guests are flown via private jet – with a dedicated flight attendant and top-shelf catering – to The Langham, London, the place where it all began. Here, they reside in the Sterling Suite, the hotel's most palatial accommodation, offering timeless refinement and personal butler service. A private four-course dinner atop Tower Bridge and an intimate cooking session with Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux at SAUCE by The Langham elevate the experience further – echoing the hotel's original role as a hub for royals, artists, and tastemakers. Other featured anniversary-themed packages from The Langham's hotels include: The Langham, Hong Kong package: A two-night experience in the Chairman Suite, beginning with a Bentley airport transfer and exclusive access to the Langham Club Lounge. Guests delve into Hong Kong's culinary traditions through a guided market tour with Chef Fai, culminating in a private dinner at the three-Michelin-starred T'ang Court. A rooftop couples' massage with Champagne and a private after-hours tour of the M+ Museum round out a journey that honours both cultural heritage and modern art. The Langham, Melbourne package: Guests are invited to take in Australia's dramatic landscapes through a luxury lens. Following a warm welcome in the Chairman Suite, they are treated to a private helicopter tour over the Great Ocean Road, with a gourmet lunch along the Bellarine Peninsula. Personalised in-room dining, wine at the acclaimed Society Restaurant, and a couples' treatment at Chuan Spa reflect The Langham's signature blend of local immersion and elevated comfort. The Langham, Sydney package: A two-night stay in the Observatory Suite, where refined interiors and sweeping views provide a serene retreat. A sunset yacht cruise on Sydney Harbour, an in-suite dinner served by a dedicated chef and waiter, and a couples treatment at The Day Spa by Chuan are designed to transport guests – much like The Langham, London once did for Victorian-era travellers seeking escape and elegance. The Langham, Gold Coast package: A relaxed but refined experience with a seaside flair. Guests staying in the Chairman Suite are pampered with Chuan Spa rituals, coastal yacht charters, and culinary indulgences – including a degustation dinner at T'ang Court and a private chef-led in-suite meal. It's a modern take on luxury – relaxed, immersive, and unmistakably Langham. Each package, while tailored to its locale, reflects a common thread: a dedication to the spirit of innovation, comfort, and cultural refinement that The Langham, London first introduced to the world 160 years ago. For details on the above packages or the anniversary packages at other hotels under The Langham, please contact the respective property teams directly or reach out to the media contact(s) listed below. Expressions of Taste: Indulgences Inspired by a History of Epicurean Excellence The Langham, London's arrival changed the way the world dined. The property became the first hotel to serve afternoon tea to the public, delighting Victorian high society with extravagant buffets, and embracing culinary innovation with one of the earliest hotel kitchens to be led by a celebrity chef. To honour this legacy, The Langham's hotels around the world are offering celebratory food and beverage experiences that pay homage to our storied past – while reimagining luxury and refinement for today. From 10 to 30 June 2025, guests can toast 160 years of unforgettable moments with The Langham Royale Punch – a playful, elegant drink inspired by the brand's heritage that is served complimentary to bar patrons during the daily Golden Hour (5 – 6 pm) at all properties. Guests visiting The Langham's hotels can also enjoy the brand's specially reimagined Battenberg Cake – a refined twist on the classic British teatime favourite. Created exclusively for the anniversary, the modernised version nods to The Langham's Victorian origins while showcasing the culinary creativity of its chefs worldwide. The Langham Pink Run: Celebrating With Purpose Around the World The Langham is not only marking its anniversary with luxury, but with purpose. Select hotels around the world will host The Langham Pink Run – a global initiative inviting guests, colleagues and local communities to participate in physical activities designed to support charitable causes in health, education, and sustainability. Each hotel will bring its own interpretation to the programme, with formats ranging from guided walks and fun runs to creative, art-inspired movement experiences. The goal is to foster connection, well-being, and collective impact – all while reflecting the spirit of the local community. Approximately 1,600 people are expected to take part in The Langham Pink Run around the world, either virtually or in person. The initiative takes its name from the brand's signature pink – a distinctive hue rediscovered in The Langham, London's original wallpaper during its 1987 restoration.
The Sun
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Legendary BBC chef forced to shut two Michelin-starred restaurant warns of ‘dire situation' & UK ‘losing its identity'
A LEGENDARY BBC celebrity chef has warned of the "dire" situation facing the UK restaurant industry. Michel Roux, 64, has worked with the likes of Gordon Ramsay and has done stints on MasterChef: The Professionals. 3 The celebrity chef currently owns and operates two restaurants in the Langham hotel in London and four in Scotland. Roux ran the world famous Le Gavroche in Mayfair after taking over from his father Albert 1993. He ran the restaurant for decades until it sadly closed in January last year. The culinary legend has now warned of the dire situation facing the UK food industry. He said a slew of closures are imminent across the UK as restaurants struggle to keep afloat. The former MasterChef judge said the situation was "so depressing" adding that well-known high end restaurants could be impacted. He warned that "If we lose restaurants on the street corners, Britain will lose its identity". The world famous chef went on to ask "Who would want to open a restaurant now?" Born in Kent, Roux has worked as a chef since leaving school at 16, he trained in London, France and Hong Kong. He has said operating the double Michelin starred restaurant in Mayfair had him working 90-hour weeks. Roux closed Le Gavroche so he could "make time for a better work / life balance". The famous two-star eatery opened in 1967 and was known for launching the careers of several world famous chefs. 3 3 It has been run by the Roux family since opening but will now reportedly be run by Gordon Ramsay. Cooking legend and TV star Gordon Ramsay planned to take over the eatery when its closure was announced. Ramsay worked at the French restaurant in the early days of his career under Roux's father in the 90s. Famously Marco Pierre White and Marcus Wareing also did stints at Le Gavroche. The restaurant even served the late queen on her 90th birthday. Ramsay is now set to take over the site of Le Gavroche at 43 Upper Brook Street. Gordon Ramsay secured a 15-year lease on the site with one of his companies acquiring the licence. Union Street Cafe successfully applied for a premises licence transfer of the Roux family restaurant in February. Union Street Café is the trading name for Gordon Ramsay Restaurants, which operate Gordon Ramsay Street Pizza, Gordon Ramsay Street Burger, Lucky Cat and Bread Street Kitchen. Matt Abé who has been at Le Gavroche for 16 years will reportedly be staying on under Ramsay. More details on the fate of Le Gavroche are expected later this year. What is happening to the hospitality industry? By Laura McGuire, consumer reporter MANY Food and drink chains have been struggling in recently as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out. Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation. Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny's closing branches. Some chains have not survived, Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs. Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores soon. Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shut sites as part of major restructuring plans.
Times
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Times
Michel Roux: ‘Many restaurants have closed. It's a dire situation'
Michel Roux, 64, was born in Kent, where his father, Albert, worked as a private chef. He left school at 16 to train as a chef and worked in France, Hong Kong and London before joining his uncle, Michel Sr, at the Waterside Inn in Berkshire in 1985 and then his father at Le Gavroche in 1991. In 1993 he took over the running of the restaurant until its closure in January 2024. He now has two restaurants within the Langham hotel in London and four in Scotland. His television work has included stints on MasterChef: the Professionals and Food and Drink. He lives in south London and France with his wife, Giselle. Their daughter, Emily, is also a chef. French restaurants lost their
