Jamie Pearce appointed L'Ortolan head chef

L’Ortolan first opened as Milton Sandford under chef Richard Sandford in 1984. The late Nico Ladenis then purchased the restaurant and rebranded it as Chez Nico.

After less than a year of Ladenis’s ownership, John Burton-Race opened the restaurant as L’Ortolan in 1986. 

Under the co-ownership of Jacobs Media chairman Clive Jacobs the restaurant was awarded two-Michelin stars in 1988.

In 2000, the restaurant was purchased by Peter Newman, who still owns the restaurant.

L’Ortolan held a Michelin star for 18 years between 2001 and 2022.

Pearce said: "My time on secondment at L’Ortolan last year had a real impact on me and I was keen to return. With a strong team behind me, I look forward to building on L’Ortolan’s rightful place within the UK’s fine dining scene, while bringing many new ideas and dishes to the restaurant that provide the best experience for diners possible."

Neman added: "I am grateful to James for all the work he has done over the years and I very much look forward to the exciting new cuisine that Jamie promises to bring".

The freehold of the restaurant was put on the market by Savills and Christie & Co for £1.25m last year.