Dedication

British cookery has gone through many changes, with different approaches to ingredients resulting in varied tastes and styles. Twenty-five years ago, the UK had a poor reputation throughout the culinary world and little respect. But then an innovative influence, nouvelle cuisine, burst onto the scene, affecting restaurants and home kitchens alike. We did not fully understand its style, but it gave us light at the end of the tunnel, inspiring us to find our place in the world of culinary excellence.

It turned out to be a long journey, but we did not lose direction. Two brothers were responsible for this, showing us that classical methods and long-held traditions are the bedrock of new ideas. They showed how to work with tastes, not overwork them, creating complements rather than conflicts.

The brothers have an aura about them: they have given me nothing but inspiration, and continue to do so. I would like to dedicate New British Classics to the Roux brothers, Albert and Michel, who, for me, are the godfathers of the culinary world.

Thank you.