Michel Roux Jr has announced that Le Gavroche - undoubtedly one of London’s most famous, historic restaurants - will close in January 2024.
A venerable elder statesman of London’s restaurant scene, Le Gavroche is synonymous with the Roux family, who have had enormous influence over the course of British food over the last half a century. The restaurant was opened by Albert Roux OBE and Michel Roux Sr OBE in 1967, and it played a huge part in shaping London’s restaurant scene for years to come. Among its many achievements and milestones, it was the first restaurant in the UK to receive one, two and subsequently three Michelin stars, the latter of which it received in 1982.
Alongside the Roux family, the kitchen at Le Gavroche has influenced and inspired a who’s who of British culinary talent, including names such as Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White, Marcus Wareing, Pierre Koffman, Monica Galetti, Jun Tanaka, Bryn Williams, Phil Howard, Stephen Terry, Rowley Leigh, Paul Rankin, and Brian Maule.
Current chef patron Michel Roux Jr is a familiar face to many, through his regular appearances on TV, and his many cookbooks. He said this of the announcement: ‘This decision has not been made lightly. Le Gavroche means so much, not just to myself and the Roux family, but to the wider Gavroche team and our guests who have become family over so many years. The end of the current lease gave me the opportunity to assess and consider the future, and I’d like the restaurant to close on a high. It’s about turning the page and moving forward so I can focus on my family and other business ventures. This is not the end of Le Gavroche – the restaurant may be closing, but the name will live on, as will the Roux dynasty.’
Although the restaurant will close, Le Gavroche will continue to be used as a brand for special events and pop-ups. Michel will continue his other roles outside of the restaurant, including as head of food and beverage operations for The Langham Hotel.
From November until the closure in January next year, Le Gavroche will be holding a series of dinners, celebrating menus from decades past and bringing back famous faces who have worked at Le Gavroche.
Le Gavroche Timeline
1967 – Albert Roux and Michel Roux open Le Gavroche on Lower Sloane Street in Chelsea
1974 – Le Gavroche is featured in the inaugural UK Michelin Guide in 1974
1977 – A second Michelin star is awarded
1981 – The restaurant moves to Upper Brook Street, Mayfair
1982 – Le Gavroche is the first restaurant in the UK to be awarded 3 Michelin stars
1986 – Albert takes sole control of Le Gavroche and Michel leaves for The Waterside Inn
1991 – Michel Roux Jr takes over as Chef Patron from his father, Albert
1993 – Two Michelin stars awarded
2016 – Michel Roux Jr celebrates 25 years at the helm of Le Gavroche
2017 – Le Gavroche reaches its 50th anniversary milestone
2021 – Michel Roux celebrates 30 years at the helm of Le Gavroche
Read our interview with Michel Roux Jr, where he reveals his favourite restaurants in London and talks about a dish he ate which moved him to tears!