Stuart Deeley is leaving The Wilderness

Head chef of The Wilderness Stuart 'stu' Deeley is leaving the Birmingham restaurant. 

The acclaimed restaurant's chef owner Alex Claridge shared the news on Instagram, stating that since he joined two years ago, the chef had been "a brother" to him.

"We have had some truly brilliant and terrible times together."

Thanking him for his support during a difficult period - which saw him leave The Wilderness' sister restaurant, Nocturnal Animals, he said: "[Stu] has elevated what my restaurant does and cemented our reputation as a serious place to eat – delivering 3 rosettes this year. He is talented, hard-working and, above all else, a decent bloke."

Stu appeared on the latest season of MasterChef: The Professionals - currently airing, but filmed earlier this year - which Alex said he knew at the time was a risk: 

"In the last three years we have now had two strong contestants excel in Masterchef. It brings immense opportunities for any young chef and as any restaurant supporting their journey is aware, the Masterchef effect may well propel them to new worlds."

"Accordingly, it is with both immense pride tinged with sadness that I announce Stu will be leaving us to pursue those opportunities that only Greg Wallace can bring. Please join me in sharing your appreciation for Stu and his time with us."

Stu replied to the post, thanking Alex in return, and hinting at - but not confirming - his future plans.

"You have bought a tear to my eye, Marius is chopping shallots so it might be that but either way it's been a rollercoaster ride with us quite often fighting against multiple challenges at one time," he said." 

"But the main thing is we came out the other side with the best result we could. It's been a pleasure and I wont be too far away. So we can meet for a cheeky few."

Meanwhile, Alex said, The Wilderness is set to launch its new flagship next year, relocating from the Jewellery Quarter - and will announce the appointment of a new head chef in the coming weeks.