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March 28, 2018

Balmoral Michel Roux, O.B.E., and his son Alain Roux are to open a new restaurant and bar in Edinburgh's Balmoral hotel in May.

The big Edinburgh food news is that two members of the Roux culinary dynasty are to open a  restaurant in the capital's Balmoral hotel.

Alain Roux and his father, Michel Roux, O.B.E., will launch an as yet unnamed restaurant in The Balmoral in May.

The new brasserie and bar will replace Hadrian’s Brasserie and The Balmoral Bar.

The £3 million renovation project has been underway since January 2018. Described as a 'new lifestyle space', the venture will cater for 210 covers across the restaurant and bar.

It will offer classic French dishes inspired by the finest Scottish ingredients.

The Balmoral: Frech cooking, Scottish ingredients

Alain will take up the position of Signature Chef. He currently retains three Michelin stars at The Waterside Inn.

The famous Bray-on-Thames restaurant is the only restaurant in the world, outside France, to have upheld this accolade for more than thirty years.

Describing the menu and food further, Alain Roux said:

'This exciting new brasserie will be defined by a seasonally changing menu rooted in French bistro dishes, in the classic modern style... We will be led by the fantastic array of Scottish ingredients and flavours to include beautiful seafood platters and tasty sharing plates at the bar. I want to serve the dishes that I love to cook myself at home and seek out with family and friends when we go out to eat. It will be an exciting menu, informed by my French heritage but totally inspired by Scotland.'

Commenting on the new partnership, Michel Roux added:

'The new brasserie marks a unique alliance between the Roux and Forte families. As leaders in our fields, our families are committed to excellence, impeccable service and promoting the next generation with my son, Alain leading the restaurant. We are thrilled to be opening in Edinburgh, the epicentre of Scottish culture and a thoroughly modern city. We are fascinated with its proud past and delighted to be part of its vibrant future as we join forces with the award-winning and iconic Balmoral. It is a formidable synergy, an exciting new venture and we can’t wait to welcome our first customers.'

The Balmoral: five year refurbishment plan

Richard Cooke, General Manager at The Balmoral, commented:

'I am honoured to welcome Michel and Alain Roux to The Balmoral and the wider Rocco Forte family. Michel's role in developing British gastronomy has been felt over the course of several decades. His experience and guidance is immeasurable. Alain, who continues to develop his father’s culinary evolution, brings impressive talent and vision to this exciting new project.

'The new brasserie concept will be the perfect complement to our existing culinary offering. It completes a five year refurbishment plan which includes the renovation of our Castle and Old Town view rooms; Michelin-starred Number One; our Afternoon Tea lounge Palm Court and our destination whisky bar, SCOTCH. Our guests and visitors will truly experience five-star dining and service in every corner of the hotel.'

The wider Roux family have been steadily taking over the kitchens in many of Scotland's more upmarket hotels for a number of years. Albert and Michel Roux Jr direct the menus at Rocpool Reserve, Greywalls, Crossbasket Castle, Inver Lodge, Inverlochy, Cromlix and the Roxburghe hotel.