Alan Murchison to move on from L’Ortolan

The Staff Canteen

Editor 4th September 2014
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After 13 years as executive chef Alan Murchison has resigned from L’Ortolan. He will remain until a new executive chef is appointed which is expected to be by the end of the year.

Alan reopened L’Ortolan with new owner Peter Newman in 2001 and the restaurant went on to win many awards and accolades. A Michelin star was awarded in 2003 and has been retained ever since. In 2013 the restaurant was recognised with a fourth AA rosette.

L’Ortolan was operated for a number of years by Alan Murchison Restaurants Ltd. In September 2013 the service contract ended and L’Ortolan became once again an independent restaurant owned and operated by the same company that founded the business in 2001.

Following the announcement of his resignation Alan said: “I have had an amazing thirteen years at L’Ortolan and have achieved all that I wanted to. It is a good time now for me to have a break from the kitchen and pursue some of my other interests. I am confident that I am leaving the restaurant in strong and capable hands.’

Peter Newman, Proprietor, said: “I greatly appreciate Alan’s efforts over the years. His tireless enthusiasm and creativity have won the restaurant many awards and much recognition. His vision and determination have shaped the success of the restaurant as it is today. Alan will leave a lasting legacy in the numerous chefs who have been trained by him in the L’Ortolan kitchen, many of whom now head up their own restaurants, some with Michelin stars.”

The rest of the management team remain the same including operations director Ania Jezusek who has been at L’Ortolan for 10 years, and Sally Albin, marketing director for the past 6 years.

“We are excited about the future for L’Ortolan and the opportunity that we have ahead of us. We are taking our time to find just the right the person to take over the reins, someone who appreciates our unique style and has the energy and drive to continue to grow the business with our very established team.”

Ania said: “Alan and I have had a fantastic working relationship over the years and I would like to thank him for being such an inspiration.”

Good luck Alan.

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