The chef has signed a 15 year contract with the hotel, which will see him set up a new fine dining restaurant and overhaul the hotel’s existing clubhouse brasserie with the help of his son Michel Roux Jnr.
“This is a dream come true. The Roxburghe is such a prestigious place and connected with Floors Castle, which is so much a part of the history of my beloved Scotland. We will definitely put it on the world map!” he said.
The Roxburghe, located on the Scottish Borders, has also signed a 15 year contract with Inverlochy Castle Management International Ltd (ICM). The company, which already has a portfolio of properties including Inverlochy Castle and Andy Murray’s Cromlix hotel in Dunblane, will take over management of the property from 1 September 2014.
Dr Sin Chai, chairman of ICMI, said: “ICMI is privileged to be associated with the Roxburghe Hotel and Estate which represent the finest in Scottish country pursuits and hospitality in one location.
“The Scottish Borders is famous for its natural beauty and superb produce which will, or course, continue to be on the menu. We are really looking forward to seeing this lovely hotel flourish and being further enjoyed by visitors from near and far.”
International renown
The owner of the hotel, the Duke of Roxburghe, said he hoped the deals with Roux and ICMI would help the property reach ‘international renown’.
“Our hotel is already a well-loved Scottish luxury hotel, and this new alliance with ICMI and Roux will ensure we achieve a world class reputation for hospitality and food.
“We are delighted to have the new management team in place and believe ICMI and Chez Roux will help position the Roxburghe among the finest small luxury hotels in Scotland. This is an important development not only for the Roxburghe Estates, but also for the Scottish Borders, increasing our role as a destination hotel.
“The Roxburghe already enjoys a loyal following both in the hotel and at the golf course. With Roux taking on responsibility not only for the fine dining restaurant in the hotel but the clubhouse brasserie too, all sectors of the business will benefit”.
Roux in Scotland
Albert Roux has been involved in the Scottish hospitality scene since setting up a restaurant at Rocpool Reserve in Inverness in 2008.
His current list of Scottish establishments includes Chez Roux at Cromlix, Chez Roux at Greywalls, Chez Roux at Inver Lodge Hotel, Chez Roux at Rocpool Reserve Hotel, Chez Roux at The Atholl in Edinburgh and Chez Roux at Alladale Wilderness Reserve.