Exclusive: Michael Carr has left The Box Tree

Cara Houchen

Editor

Michael Carr, head chef of Simon Gueller’s, The Box Tree, has announced he is no longer in his role.

He said: “Due to circumstances within the business the role just wasn’t working out. I would have liked more time there to show what I can do and put my stamp on it but unfortunately, we’ve had to part ways.

“I feel like I’ve been very unlucky, two years on the trot, to find myself not knowing what is next in my career.”

The former Great British Menu contestant joined the restaurant eight months ago following the closure of his own venture, Restaurant 92 in Harrogate, at the beginning of 2019. Up until last year The Box Tree had held a Michelin star for 14 years.

“I believe I can be up there with the best of them, I just haven’t had the opportunity to show that yet,” he added.

“I really wanted to do something in Yorkshire, I feel like a lot of chefs up here are doing something really great and I wanted to be a part of that.

“I don’t know where the next step will be but I’m open to all offers and ideas.”

Michael started his career in his home town of Harrogate before heading to Cornwall to work with Neil Martin and Chris Eden, then he moved to London to work with Gordon Ramsay and Alyn Williams.

Simon Gueller chef owner of The Box Tree added: “I’ve been spending more and more time in the kitchen over the past few months and really enjoying it. Michael is a lovely bloke and we haven’t fallen out, but you can’t have two people doing the same job.

“I’m not looking for anyone else and I’ll be taking over the head chef role.”

In September this year, Simon and his wife Rena announced they were putting The Box Tree on the market after 15 years of running it.

At the time the couple told The Yorkshire Post: "After over 35 years in the Yorkshire restaurant scene we are looking forward to taking some time to spend with our family and some well-earned holidays. With a new grandchild on the way we felt now was the right time to engage Christie & Co to find the right person to take the business forward."

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