Spencer Metzger has announced his departure from The Ritz London

The Staff Canteen

Editor

Award-winning chef and Great British Menu 2022 winner Spencer Metzger has announced he will stepping down as head chef from The Ritz London.

Announcing his departure via his Instagram account, Spencer who has spent the last 13 years working alongside John Williams MBE at the one Michelin-starred hotel restaurant, thanked his team, mentor and guests.

Commenting on his departure, Spencer said: "After 13 years of working The Ritz London my time has come to move on from the amazing establishment I’ve been privileged to call home for so long. A journey which I will never forget, a journey which has taught me so much not only about cooking, but about true hospitality."

Spencer added: “John Williams MBE is not only an inspiration as a chef, but a true gentleman and mentor. Thank you to everyone past and present who I have had the privilege of working with, especially to Deepak Mallya, Ian Musgrave, Lewis Wilson. As one door closes, another opens and I look forward to sharing my next move very soon.”

Spencer first joined The Ritz London as work experienced placement in the early days of his career, before returning to the Michelin-starred hotel restaurant after training at Bournmemouth and Poole catering college.

In 2015, Spencer left The Ritz London after he was offered a job at Simon Rogan's then two Michelin-starred L'Enclume, before returning back to The Ritz London in 2017 as a premier sous-chef, taking on the role of head chef in July 2021.

In 2019, Spencer won the Roux Scholarship, where he chose to undertake a three month internship at the three Michelin-starred Frantzén in Stockholm.

In 2022, Spencer was crowned the winner of Great British Menu 2022 after competing with Nathan Davies and Chris McClurg in the finals of the programme.

Commenting on his win at the time, Tom Kerridge said: “It was a perfect banquet dish, and the room clearly loved it. Spencer, a fully deserved winner.”

As it stands, Spencer’s next move is not yet known, with The Ritz London yet to announce their new head chef.

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A post shared by Spencer Metzger (@spencermetzger)

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