Michel Roux Jr. closes his world-famous restaurant Le Gavroche after 56 years

Chef Michel Roux Jr has announced that his two Michelin-starred restaurant Le Gavroche has closed following 56 years since it was opened

The former Masterchef judge said the decision was made in a way he could 'more time with his family' to ensure he is well looked after.

Le Gavroche in Mayfair, central London, was founded in 1967 by French restaurant brothers Albert and Michel Roux Sr.

In those days, it was the only French restaurant of its kind in London that offered classical French cuisine and the highest standards in cuisine and service.

Roux Jr., a son of Albert Roux, has managed the restaurant since 1991 and has been awarded two Michelin stars - one of the most prestigious awards in the restaurant industry.

"The name will live on, as will the Roux dynasty. There will be Le Gavroche pop-ups and events in the future, both at home and abroad." - Michel Roux Jr

Other celebrity chefs, such as Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White, have "earned their stripes" at the restaurant Le Gavroche, the restaurant's website says.

In a lengthy Instagram post announcing the shut down on Friday, Roux Jr. announced the restaurant will close in January 2024.

"Very few emails make my eyebrows genuinely raise. This one did. I totally understand the thinking but, boy that really is the end of something, allowing for the fact the name will live on." - Jay Rayner

He said he has 'very mixed emotions' about the decision to shut down the restaurant, but that the name will 'live on'