Chef Andrew Birch leaves the Savoy Grill with plans for new venture

Andrew Birch has left his role as head chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Savoy Grill in London with plans to open a new venue with his wife Rachel in the New Year.

He joined the restaurant at the Savoy hotel on a short-term contract in July, which has now come to an end.

The chef plans to take December off to spend with his family before launching his first standalone project in early 2022, with details set to be announced soon.

Andrew told The Caterer: “Matt Worswick got in touch earlier this year and asked me to run the Savoy Grill for six months, and I started at the beginning of July.

“My contract was coming to an end and I’ve got time off to spend with he kids before Christmas so it all fitted in [with the new opening]."

Andrew was previously executive chef at five-star hotel Ellenborough Park in Cheltenham and also held the same role at five-star Lainston House in Winchester. He appeared on the BBC’s Great British Menu in 2016, representing Wales.

Rachel was formerly head pastry chef at Galvin at Windows and worked at the Montagu Arms hotel in Brockenhurst while it held a Michelin star.

Last month Matt Worswick announced he had left his role as executive chef at the Savoy Grill, having held the position for just over a year.