9th January 2019

Roux Scholarship reveals 2019 honorary president of judges

Written by: Katie Imms
With entry for the 2019 Roux Scholarship closing this month (31 January), organisers and founding family, the Roux’s, yesterday (7 January) named Australian chef Peter Gilmore as this year’s honorary president of judges.

Gilmore will lead the panel of judges for the final, which will see six ambitious young chefs battle it out for the winning £6,000 cash prize on 1 April at Westminster Kingsway College, London.

 

As current executive chef of both The Quay, and Bennelong at The Sydney Opera restaurants (Sydney), Gilmore brings over 30 years experience to the panel and an ‘inspirational’ approach to cooking.

 

He commented: “The Roux brothers (Michel and Albert) were already legends in the industry when I started my apprenticeship in the mid-80s. It’s such an honour to be asked to be honorary president of judges for this year’s Scholarship.

“The Roux Scholarship is such an important initiative for promoting and uncovering young talent within the hospitality industry. For a young chef to call themself a Roux Scholar means a great deal - not just in the UK but internationally.”

 

Alain Roux added: “As a world-leading chef and champion of Australian produce-to-plate cooking, I can’t wait to welcome Peter Gilmore as the honorary president of judges.

 

“This is an outstanding opportunity to learn more about today’s Australian culinary scene. It is such a fascinating blend of cultures - of Asian and Western, and featuring classic, fusion and modern styles of cooking, there are no limits.

 

“And of course, (Australia is) spoiled by the rich diversity and quality of its wines and produce, not least the incredible fish and shellfish.

 

“Like me, Peter is a gardener as well as a chef so shares a special love of ingredients and flavours.” 

 

Gilmore will join the other judges, including former scholars Andrew Fairlie (1984); Sat Bains (1999); André Garrett (2002) and Simon Hulstone (2003); alongside Alain and Michel Roux Jr; Brian Turner; James Martin; Clare Smyth; Rachel Humphrey; and Angela Hartnett.  

 

Australia has also been revealed as the next destination for the Roux Scholarship’s educational trip in 2020, to explore its food culture and cuisine.

 

Key dates

  • 31 January: Deadline for applications
  • 14 March: Regional finals (University College Birmingham and University of West London)
  • 1 April: National final at Westminster Kingsway College, followed by the Awards ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park (Knightsbridge).