Diego Jacquet in ‘amicable' split with Malevo Group

The co-founders of Malevo Group, Diego Jacquet and Alberto Abbate, have parted ways in what has been described as an amicable split.

Jacquet (pictured) will continue sole ownership of Zoilo restaurant on Duke Street, London, which offers modern Argentine dishes, and will focus on new ventures and launches in 2016.

Meanwhile, the Malevo Group will continue without him and will retain Casa Malevo, a traditional Argentine restaurant and Abasto, a butcher and wine merchant, both on Connaught Street, London.

Jacquet said: "After five years as chef and managing director, I have decided to leave the group. Whilst I am naturally sad to bow out of Casa Malevo and Abasto, two restaurants that I launched, I am excited to get back into the kitchen, where my true passion lies. I will now devote all of my time to Zoilo and to the exciting new adventures that lie ahead in 2016, both in the UK as well as internationally in Sweden and Asia."

In Singapore, Jacquet will look to expand BoCHINche, which launched in August 2013, independent of Malevo Group. He will travel extensively around Argentina to look for ideas, search for wild produce and gather inspiration for his first book and new London projects planned for 2016.

Jacquet founded Malevo Group in 2010 with the launch of Casa Malevo, followed by Zoilo in late 2012 and Abasto, which completed the trio in 2014.

Zoilo hosts chef residencies to reflect Argentinian cultural diversity >>

Diego Jacquet and Alberto Abbate to open second London restaurant Zoilo >>

Zetter hotel chef Diego Jacquet leaving to run his Argentine catering company >>