Stu Deeley to leave Smoke at Hampton Manor

Stuart Deeley is set to leave his role as chef director of Smoke at Hampton Manor.

The 2019 MasterChef: The Professionals winner, who formerly worked under the likes of Steve Love, Luke Tipping, Alex Claridge and Adam Brown, opened Smoke in Solihull in 2021.

But three years on, he has decided it is time to pursue a new venture.

In a post on Instagram, Stu wrote: “All good things must come to an end!

“After nearly four years at Hampton Manor and over three years of Smoke, it's time for me to move on.

“It wasn't an easy decision to make. After winning MasterChef in 2019, then immediately going into a pandemic, when Smoke opened in August 2021, it really did become a home away from home.

“Seeing the amazing people that have passed through the team and the encouragement we have received from guests and guides alike, and I'm over the moon to say we are still as busy as ever.

“Thank you to James and Fjona Hill for the opportunity to help make Smoke become what it is today. Thank you to the team past and present at Smoke and the wider estate.

“I will be cooking NYE at the Manor, and Smoke will continue as normal until the 23rd of Feb.

“What's next for Smoke’s location will be amazing as James and Fjona will never settle for anything less.

“I will let you all in on what's next when the times are right, but for now... we have baby Deeley on the way. So my focus will be on nurseries and baby-proofing the house (third and final baby, hope you're listening Tash)

“Merry Christmas, you filthy animals! Stu.”

And Hampton Manor have offered some details on future plans for the site, with David Taylor, currently head chef of Michelin-starred Grace & Savour, opening up a new restaurant.

“As an estate, we're constantly evolving and we're excited to share that 2025 will be no exception,” Hampton Manor wrote, again via Instagram.

“On February 27, we’re opening Kynd, a new, produce-led restaurant, celebrating the joy of food through simple, thoughtful cooking. From our own Michelin-starred chef, David Taylor, expect generous dishes, rooted in comfort, heritage and flavour.⁠

“Kynd will open on the current site of Smoke, and after four soul-filled years on the estate, Stuart Deeley will be moving on from Hampton Manor.⁠

“We’re hugely grateful for Stu’s contribution to the estate throughout his time with us. Putting the old furnace house on the map, Stu has led Smoke from strength to strength, achieving 3 AA rosettes, some exceptional reviews and gaining a sizeable fan club.

“Before embarking on his next project, Stu will be taking time out with his family, to coincide with the birth of his third child. We know you'll join us in wishing Stu and his wife all the very best for what is bound to be a bright future.⁠”