Meet the Renegades: Ruth Rogers

Ruth Rogers is a chef, entrepreneur and head of London’s Michelin-starred River Cafe .

In this episode of Meet the Renegades, we ask what is it about the River Cafe culture which has sustained the test of time and also developed the talents of so many of Ruth’s famous alumni.

Ruth explains that the success of the River Cafe stems from her abidance by paramount principles. Rogers subscribes to a philosophy based on rigour and discipline and believes treating her employees with respect garners the best results and benefits all.

“Start small and just grow with your company, it is possible.”

We discuss the significance of building a business upon values, which enables consecutive growth and ensures quality work from her restaurant community.

Ruth has some strong thoughts on ‘clean-eating’ – with part of her worry being that food is no longer being thought of as necessary nourishment but rather as something to be fearful of.  She also speaks of her experience with nutrition, the chef scene and the encompassing nature of marketing.

“Cooking is not the most important aspect of a chef… interest, curiosity, the ability to take criticism, criticise and work in a team.”

To this day, a venture that started out with two women at the helm back in still has a 50 per cent female workforce and a female head chef – and nearly 30 years on from The River Café’s inception, Rogers explains why the food industry must change its attitude towards women.