Redefiner Louise Monaghan Made a Bold and Empowering Decision to Return To Work

Life/Redefined showcases inspiring Redefiners who decide to make a leap of faith, as Louise did. They show the world that anything is possible fifties and beyond! This story shares Louise Monaghan’s reflections on her return after a 30-year absence to a front-of-house role at Le Gavroche, London’s most iconic Restaurant, owned by renowned chef Michele Roux Jr.

The Legacy of Le Gavroche

Founded in 1967 by the world-famous Roux brothers, Albert and Michel, the restaurant was named after a character in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. Le Gavroche, meaning urchin, became the byword for the finest French food in Britain. Many chefs trained at Le Gavroche before becoming world famous, including Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White, Rowley Leigh, and Marcus Wareing.

Celebrating a Bold Return

On her second time around, Louise talks with us about her experience and how she was able to pay forward the mentoring she had experienced the first time around, with the much loved Tony and the team in the 1990’s.

Louise, You Began Your Career at Le Gavroche. Take us Back to When You First Started

Le Gavroche has a special place in Louise’s heart. It was where she had first entered the hospitality business in 1990, aged 22, and her career has since taken her around the world. In 2022, aged 55, she began working there again.

“In 1990, I was 22 years old and walked into Le Gavroche for the first time to start working as a commis waitress at the then only three-star Michelin restaurant in London. The front of house team was predominantly male – I was one of only two females amidst a brigade of about 25. The standards were impeccably high and discipline was rigorously enforced. It was long hours and demanding work. But what a place to begin.

A reference from Le Gavroche was a passport to work anywhere in the world but earning one required a commitment of at least 12 months. After 18 months at Le Gavroche, I embarked on the next chapter of my journey with Albert Roux. This led me to work for him in the USA, Europe, and then back again in London.”

What Was it Like Going Back in Your 50’s?

"I returned in 2022 to work part-time amidst the staffing challenges brought about by Brexit and Covid. Coming back to Le Gavroche at 55 years old was like revisiting a cherished memory. It felt like coming home! Some things had changed and yet so much had remained exactly the same. The restaurant had seamlessly blended the old with the new, tradition with modernity. Demonstrating perfectly: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

How Did Your Perception of Older, Experienced Staff Change on Your Return?

“Memories of a beloved figure named Tony Battistella resurfaced from 30 years earlier. Tony was an old-school Italian waiter who embodied the essence of hospitality and grace. In my youthful naiveté, I always perceived Tony as an 'old man' and I would question why he continued to work such long hours at his age. Now, however, after a quick calculation, I realised that back in 1990 Tony was not much older than I am now!

When I went back, I was the younger staff’s Tony and they probably wondered what I was doing still working at my age. I was now part of a team of 17 FOH staff, and was one of six remarkable women, led by indomitable identical twin sisters Ursula and Silvia.

I had the privilege of being a member of the sommelier team, under the expert guidance of the charismatic and unmistakably French Head Sommelier, Rémi Cousin. As a mentor, Rémi played a pivotal role in shaping the skills of his young team, skills they will carry with them as they continue their journey. His extensive knowledge, exceptional talent, boundless enthusiasm, and impeccable hospitality skills were truly inspiring to witness.”

Michel Roux Jr., a Redefiner in His Sixties

We must also mention Albert’s son Michel Roux Jr. – who joined his father and uncle at the restaurant in 1985 and almost 40 years later has just hosted the finalists of the 2024 MasterChef Season at Le Gavroche with invited famous chefs who trained there, including Monica Galetti, his Masterchef The Professionals co-host.

Since Roux Jr. made the personal decision to close the restaurant early in 2024, it has become apparent that he is experiencing a career transition himself in his 60s and shows no signs of slowing down. He has just opened a new restaurant, Chez Roux, at the Langham Hotel in London, and is taking Le Gavroche on a pop-up tour with destinations that include the tennis championships at Wimbledon and on board Cunard cruise ships.

Do You Think Older Colleagues are Valued in the Hospitality Sector in the UK?

“In Europe, ‘old’ French or Italian waiters, who have been mastering their craft for years, are revered and admired for their expertise. Their experience is celebrated, seen as the hallmark of true professionalism. Yet, in the UK, the perception of older waiting staff conjures up visions of Julie Walters serving soup in Acorn Antiques! This stark contrast emphasises the importance of recognising the valuable contributions that more ‘seasoned’ staff can bring.

Louise, Do You Think There is a Place for the Over-50s in Hospitality?

“The hospitality industry is facing significant staffing shortages. The 'older' or returning-to-work generation can be useful right now in addressing these shortages. However, my experience has shown me that we bring far more than mere convenience.

Our life experience and natural nurturing qualities equip us to be patient, resilient, and valuable mentors to younger staff. I firmly believe that we play a vital role, not just as a temporary fix during these challenging times. At Le Gavroche, I certainly felt these qualities were truly valued and appreciated.”

What has Your Recent Returner Experience Taught You?

“As I learn to embrace my inner ‘Tony’, I see clearly now that age is merely a label. Le Gavroche, born a year before me in 1967, may have closed its doors at the age of 57, but its story is far from finished. Its enduring legacy reminds us that age and experience are assets, not limitations, and that wisdom and excellence transcend the passage of time. And just like its namesake, the tenacious street urchin who never gave up, neither should we.”

Are you Looking to Change Career, Return to Work After a Break or Unretire?

Jobs/Redefined features vacancies advertised by age-friendly employers who are actively seeking experienced workers across all industries including hospitality, banking, finance, insurance, retail, engineering and more. There are no recruitment agencies, no fake jobs, no age-bias. You can apply knowing that your age will not be a barrier - in fact, like Louise’s story shows us, sharing wisdom across generations can create a world class team.

You can search by job type, region, part-time, full-time, contract, or temporary. Thousands of roles are on offer at age-friendly organisations. For example, the luxury Penninsual Hotel is hiring older workers in London SW1. They have a number of vacancies on jobs-redefined.

We’re delighted that Louise is sharing her wonderful memories of restaurant life, and her insights into the power of different generations working together. For the team at Le Gavroche, their combined hard work created three Michelin Stars and a legacy that will live on for generations to come. Thank you, Louise, for sharing your story, and we wish you th the best with your new adventure, where you will be helping and supporting people with the practical realities of ageing and living life to the full.