Sean Wrest has left Michelin-starred Roots 

Sean Wrest has left his position as head chef at Roots and plans to take some time out before opening a restaurant with his partner, Sam Haigh.

After two and a half years at the helm of the York restaurant - sister to The Black Swan at Oldstead, owned by chef Tommy Banks - where he led the team when it earned a Michelin star, he said it was "the perfect time" to move on and take some time for himself. 

Thanking Tommy and his family for their support, he said: "It's been an incredible journey and I'm so proud of how much the restaurant has evolved over the past couple of years.

"Leading the team to become the first ever Michelin-starred restaurant in York's history will forever be a hugely proud and emotional moment and I cannot thank every single member of the team past and present for making that dream come true."

The chef said that for the time being he will be taking on some "casual kitchen work," while he takes some time for himself and his loved ones.

The next step, he said, will be to open a restaurant with his partner Sam. 

"The prospect of doing our own thing is incredibly exciting and although nothing is in motion at present, we are really excited to begin that journey over the next year or so."