Dan Birk is set to leave his role as executive chef of The Social Company

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor

Dan Birk is set to leave his role as executive chef of The Social Company, and, after eight and a half years working for Jason Atherton, the chef said he has his sights set on "a big move" to Saudi Arabia.

Announcing the news on social media, he said that after his time working within the group, he was ready "for a new challenge."

"It’s been an amazing experience working for [Jason Atherton]," he said. "It’s taken me all over the world with so many wonderful memories and some real once in a life time experiences and I’ve met and worked with some amazing people along the way."

"However sometimes good things have to come to an end and now it’s time for a big move to [the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia]."

In the comments below, the chef explained that he would be joining a company opening multiple restaurants across the country.

Prior to joining Jason Atherton's restaurant group Daniel built up a fine dining background working for the likes of Germain Schwab at then two Michelin-starred Winteringham Fields, before taking on the role of head chef at The Box Tree and finally starting at The Social Company as the head chef at Social Eating House, under chef patron Paul Hood, in 2013.

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall and restrict access – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 12 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 500,000 followers across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Tanwen Dawn-Hiscox

Deputy Editor 9th November 2021

Dan Birk is set to leave his role as executive chef of The Social Company