Roux’s Waterside Inn to remain closed until 2021

The three Michelin star Waterside Inn restaurant in Bray will remain closed until 8 January 2021, as owner chef Alain Roux deems its re-opening “financially unfeasible”. 

Following the government’s latest ruling, the Waterside Inn closed on 5 November 2020, however the chef announced on Instagram he would extend this break into the new year due to the “uncertainty” of the UKs second lockdown being lifted at the beginning of December, and the “financially unfeasible” reality of opening for just a couple of weeks next month. 

The restaurant which charges £175 per person for lunch, traditionally closes for four weeks at the end of December for essential maintenance and staff holidays, but this has now been pushed forward to align with the government’s new hospitality restrictions.

Roux said in his message that shuttering the restaurant was a “vital business decision”.

He added: “Many of you will know that The Waterside Inn takes an annual closure of four weeks at the end of December for essential maintenance and staff holidays. 

“However, in light of the uncertainty of this lockdown being lifted at the beginning of December, and the financially unfeasible reality of opening for just a couple of weeks next month, I have decided to bring forward our annual closure to December.”

He added: “It will also mean our staff can have a short break with family, should circumstances permit this,the Waterside Inn will now reopen on Friday 8th January 2021 as long as Covid-19 rules allow it.”

The chef also announced that his second restaurant, Brasserie Roux at Skindles, is currently offering a takeaway and delivery service throughout the November lockdown, and he will reopen this venue when quarantine measures are lifted.