'Our determination to see this competition through remains undimmed'

After the 2020 Roux Scholarship was put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Roux Family have decided to postpone the competition further and have announced the cancellation of the  regional and national finals in March 2021.

Chairman Alain Roux said: “The health and welfare of our fantastic participants, as well as all stakeholders and guests, remains our highest priority. With no end to the current limitations in sight and in view of the ongoing uncertainty, postponement is the only safe option. We appreciate everyone’s brilliant support as we work through this. We cannot wait to find our 2020/21 scholar.”

Co Chairman Michel Roux Jr added: “We are disappointed at having to delay, yet again, the finale of this year’s competition but we are all facing unprecedented challenges. New dates for the regional finals and national final will be communicated in due course. We remain committed to maintaining the high quality and experience of the semi-finals, national final and award ceremony. Our determination to see this competition through remains undimmed.”

The 18 regional finalists, as well as the first reserve, selected at the paper judging stage in March 2020 will automatically qualify as regional finalists for 2021.

The judges will be Michel Roux Jr, Alain Roux, Brian Turner, Clare Smyth, Angela Hartnett, Rachel Humphrey, James Martin, Sat Bains (1999 Scholar), André Garrett (2002 Scholar) and Simon Hulstone (2003 Scholar). The six most successful chefs will be selected to compete in the national final on 29th March 2021, when Honorary President of Judges Björn Frantzén, from three-star Michelin Restaurant Frantzén in Stockholm, will lead the panel of judges. There will be no application process in 2021.

Chairman Alain Roux said: “Having to close down the competition this year, as well as our restaurants, has dealt a double blow. But optimism and resilience define our industry and the same is true of the Scholarship. We’ve set dates to reconvene next spring and so the excitement continues! We cannot wait to find our 2020/2021 Scholar. Meanwhile, I would like to thank all our fantastic competitors, judges, sponsors and supporters for their patience and support. Keep safe and see you soon!”

Co-chairman Michel Roux Jr said: “Everyone in hospitality is working furiously towards reopening and in many cases to keep afloat. It’s only right that the scholarship is postponed to 2021, when hopefully we will all be in a much better place to complete the competition and celebrate together as family and friends.”

To recap, the regional finalists are: