Part of the esteemed Roux cooking dynasty, Alain Roux is a man who needs little introduction. Son of Michel Roux OBE and cousin of Michel Jr, the master chef has been responsible for some of the UK’s most respected eateries.
Dedicated to learning his craft from the bottom up, Alain started out with an apprenticeship in pastry. He spent seven years rising through the ranks at some of France’s most notable kitchens, including La Côte Saint-Jacques in Joigny and Restaurant Pic in Valence.
Eventually, he joined his father’s three Michelin star Waterside Inn. Years later, he took over this legendary British restaurant, which has held onto its fabled trinity of stars for over 30 years – a record unsurpassed by any restaurant outside France.
Furthermore, Alain is a Master Pâtissier in the International Association Relais Desserts, putting him in company with the best pastry chefs in the world, and a member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, the leading professional association of chefs in UK.
Alain’s latest venture is Brasserie Prince at The Balmoral, Edinburgh. Harmonising sublime French cooking with the finest Scottish produce, the stylish restaurant serves seasonally inspired, classic bistro dishes that marry quintessentially French flavours with local ingredients.
“My exciting new brasserie is defined by a seasonally changing menu rooted in French bistro dishes, irresistibly simple, delicious food,” explains Alain. “We’re led by the fantastic array of Scottish ingredients and flavours which include beautiful seafood platters and tasty sharing plates at the bar. I’m serving dishes that I love to cook myself at home and seek out with family and friends when we go out to eat. The menu is informed by my French heritage but totally inspired by Scotland.”
Visit Brassierie Prince to dine on freshly-caught fruits de mer from the Raw Bar, langoustines from the Isle of Skye, or local côte de boeuf.
Experience Alain Roux’s sensational cooking at Brasserie Prince by making a reservation +44 131 557 5000 or email brasserieprince@roccofortehotels.com
Paris is always a good idea. Except, perhaps, when it’s hosting the Olympic Summer Games, and the usual tourist throng looks set to multiply almost prohibitively. Of course, the Games are exciting, but if wading through crowds feels like a marathon effort, try a cultural relay around one of these stunning European cities instead.
The name Bernardo Buontalenti might not mean much to those outside of Florence, but it should. A prestigious Florentine architect and artist favoured by the Medici, he is also widely credited with inventing gelato. This frozen delight is now as synonymous with Italy as pizza and is deeply intertwined with Florence’s heritage. Take a tour of the city’s most celebrated gelaterias, curated by the expert concierge team at Hotel Savoy.
Maestro Salvatore Calabrese and Federico Pavan, Director of Mixology at Brown’s Hotel, discuss the creative process behind Happily Ever After, the Donovan Bar’s new fairytale-inspired cocktail menu, launching on 28th May.
