Why has Samira Effa left The Box Tree?

Samira Effa has resigned her position as head chef at Simon Gueller's Box Tree in Ilkley, West Yorkshire.

The 28 year-old chef joined the restaurant in October last year on Daniel Clifford's recommendation, shortly after being made redundant from the now-closed Alimentum.

In an interview with The Staff Canteen, the chef said she had left the restaurant last week but did not disclose the reason for her departure. Commenting on her future plans, she said: "I have not committed to anything yet, I'm biding my time for the right prospect and offer."

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owner Simon Gueller, who took Samira on after The Box Tree lost its Michelin star - after holding it for fifteen years - said she left due to ‘professional differences.’

Samira began her career as a chef at Bradley’s Restaurant in Huddersfield, after which she went to 21212 in Edinburgh and Bohemia in Jersey. She joined Cambridgeshire’s once Michelin-starred restaurant Alimentum in January last year, having worked there previously, but was made redundant in October when it closed due to financial struggles.

She is one of three contestants to take part in the North East heat of Great British Menu 2019, alongside Michael Carr and Tom Anglesea, airing this Wednesday at 8PM on BBC 2.