D&D to close Launceston Place amid search for new chef

D&D London has confirmed it will close the Launceston Place restaurant in London’s Kensington following the departure of chef patron Ben Murphy at the end of the month.

A spokesperson for the Calverton and Breal Capital-backed restaurant group said it was in the process of “reviewing our options for the business moving forwards".

“While Launceston Place is closing for now following Ben’s departure, D&D London is actively looking for the right chef to bring on board to Launceston Place and usher in the next era of this much-loved Kensington restaurant," the spokesperson added.

It comes after the former National Chef of the Year announced he will leave Launceston Place later this month after “seven terrific years” at the restaurant.

Launceston Place opened in 1986 and was believed to have been a favourite dining spot of the late Diana, Princess of Wales.

It was acquired by D&D in October 2007, who brought in former Pétrus head chef Tristan Welch to oversee the restaurant group’s flagship site.

Other former head chefs include Tim Allen, who was previously at Whatley Manor in the Cotswolds and the now-closed L’Ortolan in Reading, and Raphael Francois, who joined from the Connaught in London’s Mayfair.

D&D said the wellbeing of the team at Launceston Place remained a priority and promised to support those who may be affected by the closure.

The restaurant group added: “Despite this change, the group’s outlook remains robust as it concludes a successful period and anticipates exciting opportunities in the coming year, both in the UK and internationally.”

D&D now runs around 30 UK bars and restaurants, as well as London’s South Place hotel, alongside two New York venues and one in Paris.

Co-founder Des Gunewardena departed the business in 2022 after 16 years to pursue other ventures, while long-term chef partner Francesco Mazzei also left D&D in April 2023.