‘It is time for a new chapter’: Ben Murphy to leave Launceston Place

Chef Ben Murphy has announced he will leave Launceston Place in October after “seven terrific years” at the London restaurant.

He has given a three-month notice to owners D&D London and did not reveal plans for his next role, though he is believed to be looking at a number of options.

Murphy started his career at Koffmann’s at the Berkeley with Pierre Koffmann in 2010, where he progressed from commis to sous chef.

In 2013, he moved to France to work at Michel Guérard’s three Michelin-starred Les Prés d’Eugénie and Epicure at Le Bristol in Paris.

Upon his return to London in 2015, he was named sous chef at the two Michelin-starred Greenhouse in Mayfair.

He held his first head chef role at the Woodford in east London, just five years into his career.

In 2017, he was named head chef of Launceston Place, and in 2018, he received an Acorn Award.

Three years later, in 2021, he was promoted to chef patron of the three-AA-rosette restaurant, which first opened in 1986.

Murphy was named Young National Chef of the Year in 2012 and National Chef of the Year 2022 by the Craft Guild of Chefs.

Murphy wrote on Instagram: “After more than seven terrific years at Launceston Place, I have decided to leave the restaurant. It has been a remarkable stage in my working life, and I have grown both personally and professionally.

“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank my team; past and present, all my suppliers and the loyalty of all my guests. Without all of you I wouldn’t have been able to do what I love.”

He added: “It is time for a new chapter – and I’m open to opportunities.”

Murphy will hold his last service at the restaurant on 31 October.