Roux family to open restaurant in Edinburgh

Alain Roux and his father Michel, of the Michelin-starred Roux restaurant empire, have confirmed plans to open a brasserie at Rocco Forte’s The Balmoral in Edinburgh, following a £3 million renovation.

Michel and Alain Roux

The restaurant will open in May at the historic hotel, with Alain taking up the position of signature chef at the new brasserie and bar that will replace Hadrian’s Brasserie and The Balmoral Bar.

The venture, which will be publicly named in the coming months, will offer classic French dishes inspired by Scottish ingredients, according to a release announcing its launch. 

“This exciting new brasserie will be defined by a seasonally changing menu rooted in French bistro dishes, in the classic modern style, irresistibly simple, delicious food,” explained Alain, who currently retains three Michelin stars at The Waterside Inn in Bray – the only restaurant in the world outside France to have upheld the standard for more than thirty years.

“We will be led by the fantastic array of Scottish ingredients and flavours to include beautiful seafood platters and tasty sharing plates at the bar. I want to serve the dishes that I love to cook myself at home and seek out with family and friends when we go out to eat. It will be an exciting menu, informed by my French heritage but totally inspired by Scotland.”

The £3 million renovation project has been underway since January 2018 with the hotel’s new “lifestyle space” set to cater for 210 covers across the restaurant and bar.

Commenting on the partnership, Michel Roux said it marked a “unique alliance between the Roux and Forte families”.

“As leaders in our fields, our families are committed to excellence, impeccable service and promoting the next generation with my son, Alain leading the restaurant,” he said.

“We are thrilled to be opening in Edinburgh, the epicentre of Scottish culture and a thoroughly modern city. We are fascinated with its proud past and delighted to be part of its vibrant future as we join forces with the award-winning and iconic Balmoral.”

The Roux restaurant empire also includes London-based restaurants Roux at Parliament Square, Le Gavroche, Roux at The Landau and most recently gastropub The Wigmore at The Langham Hotel.

The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh