Chef Luke Butcher leaves Purnell's after nearly 14 years

Luke Butcher has stepped down as head chef at Michelin-starred Purnell's restaurant in Birmingham after nearly 14 years in the role.

He joined Purnell's as chef de partie in April 2010 and worked his way up the ranks under founder Glynn Purnell (pictured above right).

Posting on Instagram, Butcher paid tribute to his team and said he was leaving to take his career "in a new and interesting direction".

"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," Butcher 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.

Image Credit: Instagram