Chris Archer to depart the Cottage in the Wood

Chris Archer, head chef of the Cottage in the Wood restaurant with rooms, has announced he will be departing the restaurant next month.

The restaurant was awarded its third AA rosette in the 2016 AA Hospitality Awards recently, and is on the market following the owners' decision to retire.

Speaking to The Caterer, Archer said the departure of the Berneys and the shortage of chefs in the area were the main reasons behind his decision.

He said: "Location has never been a big deal for me. I would go anywhere to work. I'm quite flexible. I have no fixed idea of where I want to be or what I want to do. I'm going to help a friend out over Christmas in his hotel, the idea being that in the new year there will be more options for jobs than at the minute. Hopefully it'll give me an advantage that I'll be ready to move when the new year begins."

Archer recently competed in BBC's Great British Menu's North East regional section against Mini Patel and Tommy Banks, but was forced to pull out due to ill health.

Archer was recently forced to pull out of BBC Two's Great British Menu due to ill health. He competed in the show's North East regional section against Mini Patel and Tommy Banks.

Archer said in his Instagram post announcing the news: "In four weeks I will be leaving the Cottage in the Wood and begin my search for a new challenge next year. It's been hard, emotional and totally brilliant. Three years ago I wouldn't have believed I would miss Cumbria as much as it's now apparent I am going to. Hopefully bigger and better things await me in 2017."

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