Chris Archer, head chef of the Cottage in the Wood announced on Instagram that he will leave the restaurant, which achieved 3 rosettes in the AA Restaurant Guide 2017, at the end of November.

Alongside an image of himself with his 3 AA Rosette plate, Chris told his followers: “This photo is the highlight of my 3 years working In Cumbria. However now I've informed all the right people, it's time to tell you that in 4 weeks I will be leaving the cottage in the wood and begin my search for a new challenge next year.

“It's been hard, emotional and totally brilliant. Those who know me best, know the reasons why, so I won't go into details but it's safe to say that 3 years ago I wouldn't have believed I would miss Cumbria as much as it's now apparent I am going too. Hopefully bigger and better things await me in 2017.”

Chris was appointed head chef at The Cottage in the Wood in 2014, his first head chef position, after previously working at Midsummer House (under Daniel Clifford) , Winteringham Fields (under Colin Mc Gurran / Germain Schwab) and the Yorke Arms.

His vast experience has positively impacted his cooking style and consequently food. He describes his food as eclectic and dishes can vary from oriental inspired to a version of a dish his mum cooked for him as a kid in Yorkshire.

>>> Read more about Chris Archer here 

He recently appeared on BBC 2’s Great British Menu alongside Tommy Banks and Mini Patel, representing the North East region. He told The Staff Canteen at the time: “Great British Menu is certainly an experience I’ll never forget but if I’m being honest I wouldn’t do it again. (I don’t think they’d have me back anyway!)

“At heart I’m a chef and I’m just focused on being the best chef I can be, and being on TV isn’t really going to make me a better cook. GBM is a platform for chefs who want to be famous and on TV, I just want to be famous for cooking good food.”

>>> Read more about Great British Menu 2016 here