Merlin Labron-Johnson leaves Portland and Clipstone

Merlin Labron-Johnson has announced his departure from Woodhead Restaurant Group, which operates Portland and Clipstone restaurants in London's Fitzrovia.

In a post on Instagram he said he is looking to launch a new restaurant in 2019 while also continuing his work with charity Help Refugees and Mayfair private members' club the Conduit.

He said: "After nearly four incredible years the time has come for me to leave the @portlandrestaurant family to focus on new and exciting projects. Aged 23 I was convinced to come to London to open these restaurants and it was the most challenging and rewarding journey. With Will and Dan (who would never forgive me for posting a picture of them on social media) I achieved things that I never dreamt possible. I also worked with, learnt from and forged friendships with the most lovely and talented people working in this industry. What an enormous pleasure."

Labron-Johnson launched Portland in 2015 as head chef with owners Will Lander and Daniel Morgenthau, and the restaurant won a Michelin star later that year. He then became executive chef across both Portland and Clipstone when the latter opened in 2016.

Former sous chef Zach Elliott-Crenn has been running the Portland kitchen as head chef with his menu fully in situ for the past few months as Labron-Johnson's replacement.

A spokesperson for Woodhead Restaurant Group said the process has been "very gradual" and something they have been working towards together with for quite some time.

They added: "Zach's been with us for three years now so we're delighted to be able to, like with Clipstone [where Stuart Andrew is head chef], develop and grow from within the restaurants."

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