'One of the greatest of all'

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor

It is a sad day indeed with the news that Albert Roux OBE has passed away.

The much-loved co-founder of Le Gavroche - along with his brother, Michel Roux, who passed away in March last year - Albert lived true to his love for food by passing on his passion to young chefs throughout his career, and transmitting it to the public with numerous cookbooks and TV appearances.

Together with his brother, in 1985, he founded the Roux Scholarship, which to this day gives the country's most talented chefs a chance to be challenged, seen and given the honours their hard work deserves.

His mantra is one that here at The Staff Canteen hear chefs echo time and time again, and perhaps to key to the Roux family's success. He said: "I never cooked for Michelin. You must always cook for the customer, not for a star.”

The news of his passing hit the industry hard, as industry members mourned the loss of "one of the greatest of all," saying his death marked "the end of an era." Comments and messages flooded in wishing him a peaceful rest.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Claude Bosi (@claudebosi1)

 

The end of an era

Willie Mccurrach OBE (@WMccurrach) January 6, 2021

Albert Roux was an extraordinary man, who left a massive mark on the food story of his adopted country. The roll call of chefs who went through the kitchens of Le Gavroche alone, is a significant slab of a part of modern UK restaurant culture. RIP. https://t.co/DgawGRQBZO

— Jay Rayner (@jayrayner1) January 6, 2021
 
 

Deeply saddened to hear of Albert Roux passing. A true culinary legend our thoughts are with all the Roux family at this time. Albert Roux dies aged 85 https://t.co/yPcW5ulQUz https://t.co/yPcW5ulQUz

— AA Hospitality (@AAHospitality) January 6, 2021

So sad to hear our beloved Patron Albert Roux has passed away. Albert was an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts our with his family. RIP Chef https://t.co/mTt6soxdpk

— Hospitality Action (@HospAction) January 6, 2021

 

Photo credit: Adrian Dennis

Small Contribution. Big Impact.

The Staff Canteen has always been more than a website—it’s a community, built by and for hospitality. We share the wins, the challenges, the graft, and the inspiration that keeps kitchens alive.

We believe in staying open to everyone, but creating this content takes real resources. If you’ve ever found value here—whether it’s a recipe, an interview, or a laugh when you needed it most—consider giving just £3 to keep it going.

 

A little from you keeps this space free for all. Let’s keep lifting the industry, together.

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor 6th January 2021

'One of the greatest of all'