The Roux Legacy
The Waterside Inn was opened in 1972 by brothers Michel and Albert Roux, widely regarded as the godfathers of fine dining in Britain. They had already transformed the restaurant scene with Le Gavroche in London (1967). Michel Roux took what Alain Roux describes as “a shabby pub with a damp, muddy kitchen floor” and transformed it into a restaurant that has held three Michelin stars for 40 unbroken years.
The Waterside Inn gained its third Michelin star in 1985 and has held all three continuously ever since, an unbroken 40-year run that is the only such achievement outside France. Michel Roux Sr. passed away in 2020, but his son Alain Roux has been running the kitchen since the late 1990s.
Classical French Perfection
The setting is sublime: a terrace and dining room overlooking the Thames at Bray, where in summer, glass doors open to reveal the river gliding past. Le Menu Exceptionnel is the signature tasting experience, showcasing precise technical skill and depth of flavour. Sauces are world-class, pastry work is flawless, and the attention to detail in every element of service is immaculate.
In 2025, Fabrice Uhryn, after 17 years as Head Chef, was elevated to Executive Chef, and Adam Wright stepped up to the Head Chef role.
A Living Legacy
Alain Roux, a Master Patissier in the International Association Relais Desserts, has maintained the restaurant’s identity while allowing it to evolve gently with the times. The Waterside Inn represents not just a restaurant but a direct link to the tradition that birthed modern British fine dining.
