Yu Sugimoto named as executive chef of the Square

The Square in London's Mayfair has appointed Yu Sugimoto as executive chef following the departure of Phil Howard in March.

Formerly chef de cuisine at two-Michelin-starred restaurant L'Espérance Marc Meneau in France, Sugimoto has worked at top restaurants such as the two-Michelin-stared Hôtel de Carantec in Brittany and three-Michelin-starred Le Meurice in Paris alongside chefs Yannick Alléno and Alain Ducasse.

The appointment comes after British restaurant group, Marlon Abela Restaurant Corporation (MARC), acquired the Square in March 2016.

Speaking about the purchase, Marlon Abela, chairman of MARC, said: "I am delighted to welcome the Square into our family of restaurants. I have always admired its strong commitment to modern fine dining, devotion to quality and use of the finest, locally-sourced British ingredients. The team's approach to rigorous seasonality, passion for wine and dedication to delivering service excellence is in line with our core values".

Howard, who co-owned the Square, is due to open his own restaurant Elystan Street in Chelsea.

Speaking to The Caterer, Howard said: "I plan to put my many years of experience to good use by offering some truly wonderful cooking in a fresh, comfortable and accessible environment.

"I am hugely excited to be heading back to the heart of a kitchen and will focus on producing dishes which are, as always, ingredient-led, hugely pleasurable to eat and full of freshness and vitality - a simple progression of my natural style to ensure the food is in keeping with the wants of Londoners in 2016."

Phil Howard to open Elystan Street restaurant in former Tom Aikens site >>

Philip Howard leaves the Square as restaurant is sold to Marlon Abela >>

Alain Ducasse to take over kitchen at three-starred Le Meurice in Paris >>