Chef Alain Roux was honoured to welcome two longstanding friends to our riverside home last week – David Nicholls, Founder of the Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation, and Mark Lewis, Chief Executive of Hospitality Action.

They were presented with cheques totalling over £30,000, raised during our unforgettable dinner last December. Marking 40 consecutive years of Three Michelin Stars at The Waterside Inn, the event brought Chef Alain together with his beloved cousin, Michel Roux Jr.  Alongside the generous serving of camaraderie and signature Roux cheekiness, the evening also carried a deeper charitable purpose. 

“It means a great deal to us that this event could help two remarkable organisations that continue to do such important work – from pioneering research into a cure for spinal cord injury, to providing essential support for people working across the hospitality industry.  A heartfelt thank you to the guests and partners who joined us – it is wonderful to see the impact an evening like this can have.” Alain Roux

With immense pride and gratitude, Chef Alain Roux attended the annual Michelin Guide ceremony in Dublin this February, where The Waterside Inn once again retained its coveted Three Michelin Stars – another extraordinary milestone.

“To be recognised by the Michelin Guide for retaining Three Stars for 41 consecutive years fills me with great emotion. Each year, I am reminded that excellence is fragile – never a destination, but a daily responsibility. It must be protected, nurtured and earned as we combine a deep respect for ingredients, craft and precision with the pleasure of bringing joy to the table.

The Stars belong to every member of my remarkable team, past and present – but also to our incredible guests, whom we welcome year after year as part of our family.

My heartfelt thanks to the Michelin Guide for its continued support. It was an honour to share the stage in Dublin last night with my dear Roux Scholars and industry colleagues and I know my dad and uncle will be smiling from above.”

Alain Roux

Thank you to Les Grandes Tables du Monde for its insightful and fascinating interview with Chef Alain Roux.  Read on to hear Chef Alain’s reflections on the passing down of tradition, the definition of excellence and his vision of gastronomy in this, The Waterside Inn’s 40^th consecutive years of Three Michelin Stars.

https://lesgrandestablesdumonde.com/alain-roux/

In September, The Waterside Inn hosted the second in its series of exclusive dinners marking 40 unbroken years of Three Michelin Stars. Chef Alain Roux welcomed close friends and revered chefs from France’s most iconic gastronomic family – Michel and César Troisgros, to his kitchen.  This once-in-a-lifetime collaboration united two legendary culinary dynasties who together hold 97 consecutive years of Three Michelin Stars.  Father and son, Michel and César continue the Troisgros legacy, holding Three Stars for an unparalleled 57 years at their restaurant, Le Bois san feuilles in Ouches, south-east France.

Guests enjoyed a moment in Michelin history with a remarkable six-course menu blending refined French tradition, innovation and creative flair, accompanied by Grands Crus Classés wines. The evening also welcomed guest pâtissier David Paganel to create a signature Roux dessert – David previously trained under Michel Roux OBE at The Waterside Inn.

“This evening was a profound honour for me, my team and our guests, and was nothing short of extraordinary.  These iconic chefs brought passion, precision and remarkable warmth and grace to the night, and it was wonderful to exchange memories and share anecdotes with our guests, as we presented each dish.” Alain Roux.

“Much more than a dinner, this was a meeting of shared passions – our two families are united by a precious bond of culinary heritage passed down from generation to generation.  The evening will remain etched in our memories as a moment of emotion and sincere joy.” Michel & César Troisgros.

Raising £8,000 for Swan Lifeline and Friends-International charities, this spellbinding event epitomised friendship, heritage, culinary artistry and much fun.

Click here to relive this remarkable moment in Michelin history.

This is the dinner everyone will wish they had attended!

Take a spellbinding step into the extraordinary as Chef Alain Roux welcomes culinary royalty to his kitchen.  Chef Clare Smyth MBE, the only British female chef to be awarded Three Michelin Stars, will cook side-by-side with Chef Alain as they create a luxurious six-course menu.  Chef Alain also welcomes acclaimed pastry chef Vincent Guerlais, President – Relais Desserts International, who will create the evening’s showstopper dessert.

Witness the phenomenal impact these chefs continue to make on the world of gastronomy as The Waterside Inn celebrates four unbroken decades of Three Michelin Stars.  A magical night of indulgence and fundraising awaits – expect passion, artistry, camaraderie, much joy and memories that last long after the Carriages.

£1,400.00 per person, including a discretionary £400 charity donation, split between Adopt A School and Contact.

To make a booking please contact our Reservations team by email reservations@waterside-inn.co.uk or calling 01628 620691

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime event on Thursday 25th September 2025 as we continue to celebrate 40 years of Three MICHELIN Stars. A spectacular evening of fine dining awaits as Chef Alain Roux welcomes his friends – Michel & César Troisgros to cook a unique six-course menu with him at The Waterside Inn. Third and fourth generation respectively, Chefs Michel & César Troisgros join us from France’s most iconic gastronomic family. With unparalleled longevity, Troisgros has held Three MICHELIN Stars for an incredible 57 years. This one-off event also welcomes guest pâtissier-chocolatier chef, David Paganel from Geneva who will create the exquisite dessert. David brings the ‘family’ story of the evening full circle as he trained under Michel Roux OBE at The Waterside Inn in 1986!

From the Roux dynasty, to the Troisgros dynasty – this is your chance to experience family legacy at its finest. Along with the passion, excellence and world-leading hospitality that define us, this event will also raise funds for charities close to our hearts. We can’t wait for you to be part of the magic, the joy and the unforgettable memories.

£1,400.00 per person

Inclusive of a discretionary £400 charity donation, shared equally with Friends-International and Swan Lifeline UK.

Places are limited to first come, first served. Book now [email protected]

Photo Credit: Felix Ledru

With my two restaurants on the river in Berkshire, I care deeply about our wildlife and the soul of the River Thames and I am proud Patron of the local Swan Lifeline charity.  Like many other charities, it is now facing its greatest challenge and without urgent funding, it may be forced to close its doors. Swans are part of the magic of the area and for 40 years Swan Lifeline has rescued, rehabilitated and released thousands of the sick and injured ones from pollution, fishing lines and unspeakable catapult attacks.

Please help keep this charity open – any donations, however small, will be extremely gratefully received https://swanlifeline.uk/

With heartfelt thanks

Alain Roux.

This June 2025, we proudly celebrate a remarkable milestone. Maggie Fairbrother, our wonderful Reservations Manager, celebrates 25 years with us. Maggie’s contribution goes far beyond reservations – she is our behind-the-scenes powerhouse, the engine room, a technical IT wizard, and the go-to expert for so many things. Her dedication, efficiency, ability to learn on the job, and unwavering support have been the backbone of countless smooth services and so many happy guest experiences. Thank you Maggie on behalf of Chef Alain Roux and his team for a quarter of a century of excellence.

There are special moments and then there are unforgettable pinch-me moments.  Our once-in-a-lifetime event hosted by Alain Roux & Heston Blumenthal on 15th May 2025 celebrated incredible Michelin milestones and more. It told the story of the deep friendship, respect, trust and mutual admiration between these two chefs and Bray neighbours. Supporting each other for over 30 years, this unique collaboration raised over £60,000 for The Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust, of which Alain is Patron, and Bipolar UK, of which Heston is an Ambassador.

A nine course menu with exquisite wine pairings took guests on a journey through Bray, combining Heston’s theatrical dishes and playful surprises, with Chef Alain’s signature French cuisine.  The stunning dessert was created by Alain’s long term friend from Luxembourg, master pâtissier, Jeff Oberweis.

One of the most moving and memorable culinary highlights of the year, guests were welcomed to the intimate setting like family, as world-class hospitality, new friendships and storytelling combined for much fun. One guest commented “The warmth and emotion between the two chefs was palpable and it rubbed off on our table and throughout the whole dining room for a magical atmosphere.”

Heston said “This is what cuisine is all about – teamwork, creativity, rising to the challenge and making something beautiful and delicious.”, and Alain commented “This is the first time Heston has collaborated with a fellow chef in such a way and we could feel the love for him. He continues to inspire us all. Our joy has been, and always will be, to make guests happy – and thanks to both incredible teams from The Waterside Inn and The Fat Duck, we did that in spades.”

Click here to relive this remarkable moment in Michelin history.

Alain Roux & Heston Blumenthal

On 15^th May 2025, for one night only, Alain Roux comes together with his friend and neighbour, Heston Blumenthal, to create an extraordinary moment in Michelin history.  Hosting a unique Celebratory Dinner, this once-in-a-lifetime joint event celebrates The Waterside Inn’s incredible 40 years of Three Michelin Stars as well as 30 groundbreaking years since The Fat Duck launched.   Held at The Waterside Inn, the glittering evening will showcase the iconic dishes, finest Champagne, Grands Crus Classés wines and world-class hospitality that epitomise these two iconic family-owned restaurants in Bray.  Alain will also welcome his special guest chef who will create the exceptional dessert – Jeff Oberweis, one of the world’s leading master pâtissiers and Royal Warrant holder to the Luxembourg Royal Family.

Fifty percent of ticket sales will be donated equally to charities close to each chef’s heart – Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust – of which Alain is Patron, and Bipolar UK – of which Heston is an Ambassador.

One of the hottest culinary tickets of 2025, we are truly overwhelmed by the support of our dearest guests, as tickets sold out during pre-release.  To join the waiting list, please email: [email protected]

Thank you to the Michelin Guide for the incredible interview with Chef Alain Roux marking our 40 years of Three MICHELIN Stars.

View the full article and see below for just some of what Alain had to say. 🙏

“Each service is a new adventure and challenge,” explains Alain, when asked how he has maintained such high levels for so many years. “There’s no secret formula or luck involved. It’s more than just hard work or holding down a job – it’s a way of life and we love it. To maintain extreme consistency is the minimum; the aim is to do even better than yesterday, to exceed our guests’ expectations – close is not good enough..”

“On a daily basis, our biggest reward is to see happy, relaxed guests, whether it’s someone visiting for a once-in-a-lifetime special celebration, or some of our many regulars for whom The Waterside Inn is home-from-home. Everyone is welcomed and treated as if they’re visiting and staying in our own home and made to feel like a million dollars.”

What a journey! What a night! We were honoured to receive Three Michelin Stars at The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2025 ceremony on 10th February. Marking a record 40 consecutive years, this is surpassed by only three other restaurants worldwide and is testament to the consistently high standards that our remarkable team, past and present, have upheld. This award and extraordinary record belong to them – along with our loyal customers who are front and centre of everything we do, and of course our amazing suppliers who provide supreme quality. A huge thank you to the Michelin Guide for their ongoing support which extends to the wider British hospitality industry. Paying tribute to his late father, Michel and uncle Albert, Chef Alain Roux says “In 1972, my father and uncle opened The Waterside Inn, receiving their first star in the inaugural UK Michelin Guide published in 1974. Having held three stars every year since 1985 is a profound realisation of their dream and lifelong dedication to culinary excellence. Their inspiration shines as brightly as the stars and we are forever grateful.” ~~ Watch this space as we bring you an exciting series of unique, celebratory events and menus to mark this milestone year, including our new four-course lunch Menu Célébration served with a glass of Alain Roux Champagne.