Michelin-starred Kevin Tickle steps down from The Forest Side in Grasmere

Head chef of The Forest Side in Grasmere Kevin Tickle is stepping down from his role after three and a half years at the restaurant.

The chef opened the restaurant with his team in February 2017 and achieved 3-AA Rosettes and a Michelin star within the first year, receiving a fourth AA Rosette last year, as well as a high ranking in both the Waitrose Good Food Guide and the Estrella Damn National Restaurant Awards.

He told local newspaper Cumbria Crack that he planned on taking some time out to make the most of his growing young family before looking at planning the next step in his career.

Commenting on his departure, general manager Alasdair Elwick said the chef was leaving to "explore new opportunities."

He added: "We’d like to thank Kevin for his time spent with us, during which he’s taken the restaurant from strength to strength with his innovative use of Cumbrian produce."

"We would like to wish Kevin every success in his future ventures.“

The restaurant has yet to announce who will take over as head chef, but senior sous chef Ian Waller will lead the brigade in the meantime.

The chef said that his time at The Forest Side had been "a long and rewarding journey" for himself and for his team.

"I am really proud of what we have achieved in the last few years and I would like to thank all the suppliers, staff and guests for their support. I have been blessed with the most hard-working and dedicated team of chefs and couldn’t have done it without them – thanks guys.’’

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