Celebration Dinner with Alain Roux, Clare Smyth MBE at The Waterside Inn helps raise funds for Adopt a School
RACA CEO Lisa Jenkins was special guest at the dinner celebrating forty years of Three Michelin Stars awarded to the Waterside Inn, which helped to raise £22,800 for Adopt a School and Contact, a charity supporting families with disabled children.
Alain Roux, Lisa Jenkins, Clare Smyth MBE, and Vincent Guerlais
The Waterside Inn Bray-on-Thames, 24th October 2025
The third in a series of four exclusive events celebrating forty years of Three Michelin Stars awarded to The Waterside Inn (1985–2025), was held on Friday 24th October 2025. This eagerly anticipated collaboration was hosted by Chef Alain Roux, alongside dear friend and respected peer, Chef Clare Smyth. Together, they created a unique six course menu.
Clare Smyth’s accolades are a testament to her exceptional leadership and status as one of the world’s finest chefs. She was the first woman in the UK to lead a Three-Michelin-Star restaurant, taking the helm at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in 2007, and in 2017 she opened her flagship restaurant, CORE by Clare Smyth, which became the first UK restaurant run by a British female chef to earn Three Michelin Stars in 2021.
CORE by Clare Smyth exemplifies the highest standards of modern British cuisine, celebrated globally for its precise technique, elegant presentation, and deep commitment to seasonal British produce.
The celebratory dinner, a landmark Michelin collaboration, saw Alain Roux and Clare Smyth craft an exquisite menu where timeless French tradition met contemporary culinary brilliance. Each dish expressed the essence of their restaurant’s heritage and precision, bold yet balanced flavours, and an unwavering respect for ingredients. Paired with world-class hospitality, the finest Champagne, and Grands Crus Classés wines, the evening became a harmonious celebration of two masters at their peak in the kitchen.
The Three Michelin-Starred chefs were joined by Chef Vincent Guerlais, the celebrated French pâtissier and chocolatier based in Nantes and longstanding friend of Alain Roux. Guests were treated to one of his signature desserts, a complex composition of technique, and carefully executed stages.
Vincent began his apprenticeship at age 14, and by 22 he had opened his own boutique, Chocolaterie Vincent Guerlais. He is known for his meticulous ‘bean to bar’ chocolate work, inventive pastries, and commitment to premium ingredients and craftsmanship. Since 2018 he has also served as President of the prestigious professional association of the world’s elite pastry chefs - Relais Desserts International, championing excellence and creativity in the pastry world, and of which Alain Roux is member.
To rapturous applause from the assembled guests, Chef Alain Roux and his guest chefs paid tribute to The Waterside Inn’s in-house team for their outstanding support, meticulous attention to detail, and seamless execution. The brigade was led by Executive Chef Fabrice Uhryn, Head Chef Adam Wright, Culinary Instructor Michael Nizzero, and General Manager Frédéric Poulette. At the same time, CORE’s team, led by Head Chef Jonny Bone, were congratulated for their flawless support.
The event was supported by incredible partner suppliers who generously sponsored the evening with special thanks given to Flying Fish Seafoods Company Ltd, Le Marché, Ritter Courivaud, Nash & Sons Florist, Classic Fine Foods UK, Champagne Billecart-Salmon, Domaine Louis Jadot, Ulysse Cazabonne – Marchand de Vins.
“The celebratory dinner, a landmark Michelin collaboration, saw Alain Roux and Clare Smyth craft an exquisite menu where timeless French tradition met contemporary culinary brilliance.”
Charity Support:
A discretionary donation of £400 from every ticket sale was shared between two charities close to the hearts of Alain and Clare. Funds were donated to The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts’ Adopt-a-School Programme, which Alain proudly supports and that works to educate and inspire children about food, cookery and healthy eating; also Contact, a UK-wide charity dedicated to supporting families with disabled children, offering guidance, resources and a vital community network. Representatives from both charities were special guests at the dinner and made presentations, including CEO of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, Lisa Jenkins, and Anna Bird - CEO of Contact. In total, £22,800 was raised, split equally between each charity.
Goodie bags:
Guests were treated to some fabulous bespoke signature gifts to take home, including a souvenir signed menu, a jar of special recipe Roux homemade Rose Petal & Champagne Jelly to commemorate The Waterside Inn’s 40th anniversary plus a specially commissioned chef’s kitchen cloth embroidered with the 40th anniversary logo, and a freshly baked Saint-Genix Brioche. This is a speciality from Saint-Genix-sur-Guiers, in the Dauphiné former province of south-eastern France, a delicious pink praline brioche and Chef Alain’s “coup de coeur” amongst France’s traditional artisan pastries. Extra surprise gifts from Vincent Guerlais included a bespoke set of handmade mini sablé biscuits.
Alain Roux:
“I first met Clare when she joined us as a young, unpaid stagiaire here in the late 1990s. Even then, her professionalism, calm precision, methodical approach, and eagerness to learn were extraordinary. Tonight was truly a full-circle moment. Cooking alongside Clare in our kitchen, at the height of a career that has seen her work her way up from the bottom to become one of the UK’s leading chefs and a figure respected across the world, has been inspirational. Clare has worked twice as hard over many years to earn the admiration she so rightly deserves, becoming not only a remarkable chef but also a role model who has helped transform the culture of modern kitchens and encourage women into the industry. As Chairman of The Roux Scholarship, alongside my cousin Michel, we could not have wished for a more inspirational judge for our young competing chefs or supportive mentor and loyal friend to our Roux Scholarship community. To see Clare return to my kitchen - still young (!) but a true master who guides and inspires even those who once taught her - was unforgettable.
We were thrilled to be joined by Chef Vincent Guerlais, friend, fellow respected pâtissier, and President of Relais Desserts International, along with his colleague, Chef Freddy Potier. Their collaboration and contribution of the dessert course brought extraordinary artistry and precision, adding another memorable and truly special highlight to our anniversary dinner.
To mark our Michelin milestone in the company of such dear friends and iconic chefs who continue to inspire my own family, was a profound honour for me, my team, and our guests.
The occasion also provided a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and funds for two cherished charities, Adopt-a-School and Contact. Thank you to everyone - our guests, teams, friends and valued suppliers - for your amazing support.”
Clare Smyth MBE:
“It was such a joy to collaborate with Alain Roux in celebrating this incredible milestone - forty years of three Michelin stars at The Waterside Inn. The evening was full of warmth and generosity, and it meant so much that our celebration could also support two cherished charities. The Adopt-a-School Programme inspires the next generation to connect with food in such a positive way, and Contact, a fantastic charity of which I am Patron, that offers vital help to families with disabled children. I’m so proud that together we raised £22,800 that will make a real difference.”
Royal Academy of Arts Adopt a School Trust:
Like his father before him, Alain and the Roux family have been avid supporters of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts’ Adopt a School Trust programme Adopt a School – Royal Academy of Culinary Arts since its launch in 1990. Alain and his Executive Chef, Fabrice Uhryn have enjoyed delivering Adopt a School sessions in local schools. The Adopt a School Trust is a national charity delivering food education in schools. Chefs who have been trained as part of the programme, choose and work with their local schools with the aim of passing on their knowledge and expertise. The Trust’s vision is that every child learns about food in a holistic sense and has the confidence to eat well, be healthy and happy. The programme helps children to develop healthy eating habits and encourages an enthusiasm and interest in food and cooking, as well as giving an insight into the hospitality industry.
Chefs Alain and Clare were delighted to welcome Lisa Jenkins, CEO of The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts as special guest and who shared a brief presentation about Adopt-a-School with the assembled guests.
Lisa Jenkins:
“It was a privilege to attend a dinner celebrating forty years of Three Michelin Stars awarded to The Waterside Inn, hosted by Chef Alain Roux, and Chef Clare Smyth. Their respect and affection for each other was a joy to see. The menu was a masterclass in classical cuisine and to then add the mastery of Chef Guerlais to the mix – was extraordinary. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to explain the Adopt a School Charity to all the dinner guests, to share Chef Alain’s contribution over the years and to highlight some of our great projects. The money raised for the programme on the night is an incredible amount and we are extremely grateful for Chef Alain and Chef Clare’s support of the Trust.”
To learn more about and how you can support, please click here Royal Academy of Culinary Arts’ Adopt a School Trust programme
Contact for families with disabled children:
Contact is the UK-wide charity dedicated to supporting families raising disabled children through its free helpline, online and in-person information services, workshops, peer-support groups and listening-ear appointments, it reaches hundreds of thousands of families each year.
As Patron of Contact, Chef Clare Smyth MBE lends her exceptional public profile and culinary expertise to raise awareness and funds for the charity’s mission. In 2022 she was announced as Patron and volunteered to act as consultant chef for a high-profile fundraising gala dinner, helping to generate vital income so Contact can expand its reach and impact. Together, Contact and Clare Smyth are committed to ensuring that every parent-carer of a disabled child receives timely advice, emotional support and the opportunity to participate fully in society and that the families they serve feel valued, strong and confident in shaping their lives.
Chefs Alain and Clare were delighted to welcome Anna Bird, CEO of Contact, as special guest to the event, who also shared a short presentation about the charity on the evening.
Anna Bird – CEO:
“I am deeply grateful to chefs Clare and Alain, and to everyone at The Waterside Inn, for bringing people together for such a spectacular evening - one filled with exceptional food, generosity, and a wonderful sense of community. The funds raised for Contact will make a real and lasting difference, helping us reach even more families with disabled children who need advice, support, and somewhere to turn when life feels overwhelming.
“We’re honoured to have Clare as one of our patrons and thankful to all who gave their time, talent, and energy to make the event such a success, as well as all the wonderfully generous guests. At Contact, we’re determined to reach more families who need us and to reach them sooner. We can’t do this alone, but with the generosity and support of organisations like The Waterside Inn, together we can change lives and build a brighter, more inclusive future for families raising disabled children across the UK.”
To learn more about Contact and how you can support, please go to https://contact.org.uk/
