Simon Rogan has announced that Mark Birchall, group executive chef Northern Operations for Rogan’s five restaurants in Cartmel, Cumbria and Manchester, will be leaving the company on July 31, 2015, to launch his own establishment in summer 2016.

Mark joined L’Enclume in 2006 as Sous Chef, progressing to head chef in early 2008, and was promoted to the new role across the northern restaurants in November 2014, when Tom Barnes was appointed new head chef of L’Enclume. Simon Rogan is exploring options to succeed Mark within the Umbel Restaurant Group (the new company name for Simon’s collection of restaurants across England).

“Mark has given me nine years of his culinary life, and I am grateful for his phenomenal contribution to our restaurants’ achievements,”stated Simon Rogan.

“I wish him all the best for the future, and I will do all I can to help him in his new venture, which I am sure will be a great success.”

Commenting on his time with SimonRogan, Mark said: “L’Enclume will always have a special place in my heart. I’m truly grateful to have been surrounded by great professionals and to be given such opportunities to develop within a great company over the years.”

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Two Michelin-starred chef Mark Birchall talks about his role development after nine years with award-winning chef Simon Rogan: