Andreas Antona retires and puts Simpsons up for sale

AWARD-WINNING chef and restaurateur Andreas Antona has announced his retirement from restaurants after 50 years in the industry.

Andreas has put Michelin-starred Simpsons in Birmingham on the market to allow him to spend more time with his family and with other projects close to his heart.

Andreas trained in Germany and Switzerland during his early years as a chef and on returning to the UK worked with the likes of Anton Mosimann OBE and the late Michael Quinn.

Having spent 35 years in the kitchen, he gave up cheffing to dedicate 15 years to running Simpsons, followed by The Cross at Kenilworth which he took over in 2013.

Simpsons, under chef Luke Tipping, has held a Michelin star for 25 years.

Andreas also played a key role in the approach to Team UK’s preparation in the Bocuse d’Or, giving Simpsons’ then head chef Adam Bennett six months paid leave when Adam represented the UK in 2013.

Andreas founded the Bocuse d’Or UK Academy at the Houses of Parliament in 2017 and has been behind much of Team UK’s recent success.

Andreas commented: “Last year, I marked 50 years as a chef and restaurateur, having started out at Ealing College in 1974. I feel lucky to have witnessed the boom and development of our industry into the wonderful profession it is now.

“Following a lot of soul searching, I’ve realised there is never a good time to retire, but when something from within is telling you to reevaluate and enjoy life, family, friends, travel and golf - you need to listen. It is following this realisation that I have decided to sell Simpsons, the restaurant where my life as a chef patron began.

“Anyone

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who knows me knows that I’m not one for standing still, and I will continue, albeit on a part-time basis, with my other interests such as The Cross and SOKO Patisserie for the near future. I’d also like to invest more time in projects close to my heart.

“Simpsons has a big place in my heart and a sale of this importance will take time. We have a fantastic team in place and I want to be sure that the buyer shares our passion to continue and build on Simpsons’ longstanding success.”

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He added: “It's a decision that has been heavy on my mind and heart for several months, and I've been blown away by the reaction to the news of my retirement.

“I feel this is the right time for an injection of energy into Simpsons and carry on the vision for a brighter future.

“I'll sign off by saying, 'don't panic, keep calm, and carry on cooking'."

Reacting to the news via Instagram, Birmingham chef Glynn Purnell said: “A true mentor, great craftsman and massive inspiration. One of my heroes, I enjoyed every minute cooking under you and learning from you and also laughing. Love you chef.”

Michelin-starred chef Chris Galvin added: “What an Innings! Wishing you a very happy retirement with Alison and your lovely family, Andreas.

“Thank you for everything you have done for the industry, especially the belief you had in me at the start of my career with your support I have achieved more than I ever dreamt possible.”

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