The Roux family has revealed the six chefs who will battle for the prestigious Roux Scholarship title on 3 April, following thrilling regional finals in London and Birmingham.
The Roux Scholarship was launched in 1983, providing a unique opportunity for a new generation of British chefs to train at the finest restaurants globally. One of the most distinguished chef competitions in the UK and the world as a whole, the Roux Scholarship boasts an impressive record of scholars who have gone on to earn their own Michelin stars.
The highly anticipated regional finals were held at University College Birmingham and the University of West London, with the 18 regional finalists showcasing their culinary skills by preparing dry-aged heritage beef, a beef offal dish (heart, tongue or kidney), and chicory/Belgian endive recipes. There was also a mystery box dessert challenge, this year with a twist – a choice of 22 diverse ingredients, from classics such as chocolate and strawberries, to more offbeat options such as lager beer.
In the end, the judges, some of the most renowned chefs in the UK, selected six finalists:
- Ben Champkin of The Newt, Somerset
- Christopher Clarke of Core by Clare Smyth, London
- Oliver Dovey of Baxterstorey, London
- Sam Lomas of Glebe House, Devon
- Alex Rothnie of L'Enclume, Cumbria
- April Lily Partridge of The Ledbury, London
The finalists will face off on 3 April, with the winner receiving up to £12,000 to support their career, an invitation to cook and train under the supervision of a leading chef at a prestigious three-star Michelin restaurant anywhere in the world for up to two months, and a variety of luxurious prizes from the competition sponsors.