Alain Roux joins Swan Lifeline as Patron
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Eton, Berkshire
Swan Lifeline, a charity dedicated to the welfare of swans since 1986, is honoured to announce the patronage of Alain Roux, the Chef Patron of the prestigious 3 Michelin-starred The Waterside Inn restaurant in Bray, Berkshire and Roux at Skindles, his classic French brasserie and cocktail bar, a mile upriver at Taplow Riverside.
In a harmonious blend of culinary excellence and environmental stewardship, Alain Roux brings his passion for swans and the natural world to Swan Lifeline, enriching the charity's efforts in safeguarding swans and cygnets. The Waterside Inn, renowned for its gastronomic prowess, shares a direct connection with swans, situated as it is on the River Thames and featuring them as an emblem.
Alain Roux expressed his delight in joining Swan Lifeline: "I'm thrilled to support Swan Lifeline, a cause deeply connected to my heart and The Waterside Inn. Our shared passion for swans and the environment is evident, from the swan emblem on our napkins to the generations of swans we've watched develop. I look forward to helping Swan Lifeline continue their vital works and contribute to the welfare of swans."
This collaboration will include a range of activities. The first was Alain Roux's visit to the Swan Lifeline Centre with his family. Further ventures include capturing the essence of this partnership and sharing the story in the upcoming magazine edition of The Waterside Inn, and Mr Roux hosting a one-off special private dinner at The Waterside Inn - “Caviar Dinner with King’s Fine Foods” – where they will generously be donating a proportion of the profits from the dinner to Swan Lifeline. The dinner will be held on 24th April 2024.
"We are honoured to welcome Alain Roux as a patron," said Dominic Smulders, Chair of Trustees at Swan Lifeline. "His passion for swans and dedication to environmental stewardship resonates with our mission. This partnership will undoubtedly elevate our efforts in protecting and caring for swans."
ENDS
About Alain Roux and The Waterside Inn
Steeped in history but at its heart, The Waterside Inn is simply a family-run restaurant with rooms, with a steadfast team of staff and dedicated Chef Patron, Alain Roux, at its helm. In 2023, Alain launched the new Culinary School and Michel Roux Library at The Waterside Inn, an inspired conversion of his late father’s former home. A wide range of cookery classes, courses and masterclasses are available. https://www.waterside-inn.co.uk/culinary-school/
A mile upriver from The Waterside Inn, you will find Roux at Skindles, Home - Roux at Skindles, a chic French-style brasserie and cocktail bar at Taplow Riverside in Berkshire, opened by Alain and his late father in 2018.
Early in 1972, with a series of successful London restaurants under their aprons, brothers Michel and Albert Roux looked further afield. Stumbling across a shabby old pub on the banks of the Thames in Bray, Michel had found their new flagship restaurant outside London. And so, The Waterside Inn was born later that year.
With their respective sons, Alain and Michel Jr following in their fathers’ celebrated footsteps, the brothers separated their business interests in 1986. Albert chose Le Gavroche whilst Michel took control of The Waterside Inn.
In the inaugural UK Michelin Guide, published in 1974, it was awarded one star, then two in 1977 and three in 1985. It is the only restaurant in the world, outside France, to have retained three stars ever since.
By 2002, Michel had passed on the reins to son, Alain who continues the tradition today in unique style, with a team of more than 60 at his side and a shared dedication to wonderful food and quality without compromise.
