Michelin-starred chef Paul Kitching quits Juniper
Michelin-starred chef Paul Kitching has announced his departure from his restaurant Juniper in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, after 12 years.
Kitching and partner Katie O'Brien are looking to set up a new restaurant elsewhere in the country in a bid to gain a second Michelin star. The move comes less than three months after Kitching quashed industry rumours suggesting the pair was leaving Juniper.
"We really wanted to stay in Altrincham but when we out to investors they tended not to be local. We don't want to leave but we do want to move forward and gain a second star which means we have to go where the investment is," Kitching said.
"We've held a single star for over a decade which is great, but I'm hungry for more and that means we have to follow the money."
Soups, the company which owns the lease for Juniper is now looking for a new chef to take over the restaurant and retain its Michelin star.
Kitching said: "Juniper's current star is valid until next January so there is plenty of time for the right chef to come in, stamp his or her mark on the restaurant, and retain it."
Kitching and O'Brien have been running Juniper for 12 years and the restaurant has retained its Michelin star for 11 years. It was recently included in the top 40 UK eateries by the Good Food Guide.
A minute on the clock: Juniper partner Katie O'Brien >>
View Paul Kitching recipes here >>
By Kerstin Kühn
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