Roux to give traditional pub the Michelin star treatment
MICHEL ROUX JR’S Mayfair restaurant Le Gavroche has two Michelin stars and serves a tasting menu for £160.
But this summer the former MasterChef: The Professionals judge will open a London tavern where dishes start at £12 and glasses of wine cost less than a fiver.
The chef is teaming up with fivestar hotel The Langham to launch The Wigmore, which will be connected to the hotel but have its own entrance on Regent Street.
It is being described as a “traditional British tavern with a luxury accent” and will serve a menu overseen by Roux Jr along with a drinks list compiled by the team behind the hotel’s Artesian cocktail bar, which has previously been named the best in the world. Dishes will include a raised veal and ham pie, devilled lamb’s kidneys and paprika-glazed short rib with bone marrow crumb. To drink, there will be several cask ales and craft beers including a house brew made by Bermondsey’s Brew By Numbers as well as a wide selection of wines, and a list of beer-infused cocktails and punches.
The pub will occupy what was once a banking hall and will have a grand art deco look with high ceilings, a large chandelier and an emerald-coloured bar studded with tabletop lamps.
The Langham’s managing director Bon van den Oord said: “The Wigmore will offer Londoners a sense of community and relaxed convivialit y.” Roux Jr added: “It’s going to be a great addition to The Langham’s offering, perfect for a few relaxing drinks and a bite to eat. You’ll find me at the bar with a glass of red.”