“Luke Batch (left) and Glynn Purnell (right)”
Luke Batch has stepped down as head chef at Michelin-starred Purnell's restaurant in Birmingham after nearly 14 years in the role.
Purnell joined in April 2010 as chef de partie and worked his way up the ranks under founder Glynn Purnell.
Taking to Instagram, Batch expressed his gratitude to his team and announced his departure as a move toward 'a new and exciting direction' in his career.
'Never did I ever think I would be head chef of a Michelin starred restaurant, something I never took for granted, and often had to pinch myself to remind me what a position I was in,' Batch wrote.
'I am and always will be proud of what we as a team….no scratch that…as a family achieved over my tenure at the restaurant, so many highs that far outweigh a few inevitable lows…I've been in such a privileged position and to be at the head of that driving force has been an honour.'
Purnell's restaurant posted on Instagram: 'Our head chef, Luke as been a massive part of the Purnell's family for over 13 years and now he is flying nest taking his career in a different direction.
'He will be missed but still a massive part of the family. Good luck and thank you for everything. Brum Love.'
Purnells opened in 2007 and has held a Michelin star since 2009.