Chef Martin Burge has left his role as Executive Chef of Whatley Manor, which retained its two stars in the Michelin Guide UK 2017 with immediate effect.

Martin has stepped down from his role with immediate effect which comes just two months after Sue Williams joined the 5 AA star hotel and spa as General Manager.

Tweets have poured in from top chefs over the weekend expressing their graditude for the two Michelin starred chef and to wish him luck for the future.

@ChefMartinBurge Best of luck Martin. Always grateful for everything I learned from you. Hope you get a bit of time off

— Michael O'Hare (@hairmetalchef) 19 November 2016

@ChefMartinBurge good luck with the next move. I am sure it will be amazing. See you soon.

— Daniel Clifford (@Midsummerchef) 18 November 2016

@ChefMartinBurge All the best for the future. You will be amazing #onwardsandupwards

— MichaelWignall (@MichaelWignall_) 19 November 2016

In a statement, Christian Landolt, owner of Whatley Manor said Martin had moved on to pursue new challenges.

He said: "The Dining Room at Whatley Manor, overseen by Martin, has received numerous accolades, including two Michelin stars, and the hotel’s new General Manager, Sue Williams, hopes to retain those standards in the future. No information about any successor is available at this point.”

Martin has been with the hotel for 13 years running both the two Michelin starred 'The Dining Room' and the brasserie, 'Le Mazot'.

Prior to joining Whatley Manor, Martin has also worked for Mirabelle, Pied A Terre, Le Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons and the Landmark Hotel. 

>>> Read more about Martin Burge here