Oli Williamson crowned 37th Roux Scholar

As official sponsors Udale Speciality Foods are extremely pleased that the Roux Scholarship was able to once again convene for the first time since the passing of its founders Michel Roux OBE and Albert Roux OBE KFO, and in memory of their fathers Alain Roux and Michel Roux Jr asked the chefs to prepare two recipes that are held dear in the Roux Family.

This year it was Oli Williamson who walked away with the 2020/21 Roux Scholarship. The 30-year-old chef beat five other finalists in a fiercely contested final held at Westminster Kingsway College, London, on Monday 25th October, after the competition was postponed twice due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Oli Williamson, who is Sous Chef at The Fat Duck in Bray, said: “It was my first time in the competition and it’s also my last because of the my age. It was really tough but great fun. I have changed my mental approach these last few days. I was very stressed at the Regional Finals and so I decided to just go for it and enjoy it and try to be less stressed. Two dishes were a lot to do, there were lots of smaller things, loads of little bits to bring together, and you needed to be smart with your ingredients.”

To read more visit www.rouxscholarship.co.uk