Andrew Birch has left his role as head chef at Savoy Grill

Andrew Birch has left his role as head chef at Savoy Grill and is set to open a restaurant with his wife rachel in the new year.

In an interview with The Staff Canteen, the chef explained that his departure from Savoy Grill had always been planned around this time - though precipitated by executive chef Matt Worswick leaving.

"Him leaving was unexpected and that was obviously not part of the plan," he said, "but I'd always planned on having Christmas off and spending it with my family," he said.

The chef, who has worked in many an award-winning kitchen, including Lainston House, the Montagu Arms and Ellenborough Park, as well as appearing on Great British Menu in 2016, met his wife Rachel when she was head of pastry at the Montagu, after which she worked at Galvin at Windows.

With more details to follow on their upcoming venture, both are excited to set forth with their first solo restaurant.

"My wife and I have worked very hard in the industry and we've both worked for some amazing chefs, at amazing hotels and restaurants."

Having achieved and retained accolades throughout their respective careers, the chef added, "we got to the point where we wanted to achieve these accolades for ourselves."

"We've worked very hard for other people - we've been well looked after for it, we've been well paid for it - but now we want to do it for ourselves and our family."