The Waterside Inn in Bray is the world’s only restaurant outside of France to hold three Michelin Stars for over 30 years. Starting at Le Gavroche (holding two Michelin stars itself) brothers Michel and Albert Roux hatched upon the idea of an elegant restaurant and cocktail bar in a traditional English Pub setting. Michel received an honorary OBE in 2002 and has now passed the role of Chef Patron to his son, Alain Roux.
Having been open since 1972, it was time for a thorough upgrade, starting with a large extension to house the new catering equipment and M&E plant and controls. Gratte Brothers was appointed to produce a design that would meet the Inn’s exacting specification.
Highlights included customised stainless steel work stations (created to Alain’s design), an audio system linking the various prep areas, a bespoke Athanor cooking suite and a blast-freezing pastry chamber. Gratte Brothers added its own touch with water-etched stainless panels on the canopy.
The 12-week programme that would see the restaurant open for Easter Sunday was tight, but eager not to waste a moment, Gratte Brothers arranged to be on site and ready to strip out on New Year’s morning.
Gratte Brothers won both the Catering Equipment Distributors Association (CEDA) Hotel Sector and Grand Prix Award for this project.