Calum Franklin leaves Holborn Dining Room

Calum Franklin, previously executive head chef at Holborn Dining Room, has left the restaurant "to focus on new projects".

In a post on Instagram, the chef said: "Letting go of something you have cared for deeply is never going to be easy but after almost nine years it's time for a big change.

"Last week marked the end of my time at Holborn Dining Room as I made the decision to move on to focus on new projects to push myself further towards my goals and dreams.

"I'll always be proud of what we have achieved at the restaurant, as a team I think we gave it a real identity, celebrated British culinary history and built a pretty cool pie room.

"None of this would have been possible without the strength, belief and commitment of everyone around me past and present, chefs, waiters, kitchen porters and so many more… I know the restaurant is in good hands and will continue to go from strength to strength and that makes me happy as I take the next steps on my little pie adventure."

Having overseen the restaurant, located within Rosewood London hotel, since 2014, Franklin has become known for his pie creations, inspired by a cache of antique pie moulds he discovered in a basement store. A dedicated pie room opened at the restaurant in 2017 and, under Franklin, the restaurant won Hotel Restaurant Team of the Year at the 2018 Hotel Cateys. The following year, Franklin himself won Hotel Restaurant Chef of the Year.

Rosewood London said Franklin's departure followed "a very successful eight-year-tenure" at the hotel.

Michael Bonsor, managing director at Rosewood London, said: "It has been an incredible eight years, accompanied by thousands of pies! We are so proud of what Calum and his team have accomplished. We wish him all the best and every success for the future" "

It is understood the Pie Room will remain as a kitchen and private dining space following Franklin's departure.

Photo: John Carey