More than 100 lots from Le Gavroche, ranging from rare wine cellar gems to pictures and silverware, will be auctioned online via Christie’s from 10 to 24 April.
Two-Michelin-star Le Gavroche completed its final service for the public on 13 January, bringing the curtain down on a 57-year journey in heart of London’s Mayfair.
‘The cellar at Le Gavroche has been lovingly curated over decades,’ said Michel Roux Jr, who has run the establishment since 1991.
Michel Roux Jr outside Le Gavroche in Mayfair. Credit: Le Gavroche / Christie’s.
Roux Jr is the son of Albert Roux OBE, who cofounded the restaurant with his brother, Michel Roux (Snr) OBE, back in 1967.
Le Gavroche wine cellar auction will feature top Bordeaux, Burgundy and Rhône wines, alongside vintage Champagne and Port.
Specific lots so far confirmed by Christie’s include:
A view into Le Gavroche’s wine cellar. Credit: Le Gavroche / Christie’s.
Other premier producers anticipated to be included in the sale comprise Domine JL Chave from the Rhône, Le Pin and Lafleur from Bordeaux, and Port house Quinta do Noval.
Roux Jr stated, ‘The sale will additionally encompass artworks and distinctive items from Le Gavroche that hold sentimental value to the Roux family and are recognizable to everyone who has dined at the restaurant since its inception.
‘Regrettably, we cannot accommodate these iconic pieces in our other venues and business establishments. However, I am delighted to know that these beloved guests would be able to possess a piece of Le Gavroche in their residences.’
Roux Jr disclosed to Decanter that some of his private highlights in the wine cellar date back to the year the restaurant was inaugurated.
‘We have many wines from 1967: [from] Chateau Angélus in magnums to five-litre Chateau Latour, direct from the Chateaux, all in wonderful condition.’
More generally, he added of the auction lots, ‘The memorabilia is such an integral part of Le Gavroche, none more so than the sign above the door. It’s all personal and part of not only my life but of the gastronomic revolution of the UK.’
Tim Triptree, Christie’s international director of wine, said, ‘Since 1967 Le Gavroche has built an envied reputation as one of the world’s finest dining restaurants, as well as for its exceptional and extensive wine list. We’re delighted to be offering a selection from their cellar.’
Benedict Winter, of the private icon collections department at Christie’s London, added, ‘We’re excited to give clients new and old an opportunity to purchase a piece of [Le Gavroche] history.’
Several renowned chefs have trained in Le Gavroche’s kitchen, including Gordon Ramsay, Marcus Wareing, Pierre Koffmann and Marco Pierre White.