Pip Lacey to succeed Diego Cardoso as head chef at Angela Hartnett's Murano

Pip Lacey, senior sous chef at Angela Hartnett's Michelin-starred restaurant Murano, has been promoted to the role of head chef. Lacey, who joined the Mayfair restaurant in June 2011 having previously worked for Harnett at York and Albany, succeeds Diego Cardoso who leaves next month.

Argentine-born Cardoso, who is yet to confirm his next position, has worked alongside Hartnett for the past 10 years and has led Murano's brigade since 2008.

On announcing the news, Hartnett said: "Pip is an extremely gifted chef, who will continue to maintain the high standards I set for Murano. I wish Diego all the best. In the 10 years I have worked with him, he has grown to become an incredible talent who is now more than ready to take the next step in his career."

Speaking to Caterer last December in a "Chefs Behind The Chefs" article, Hartnett said: "Diego definitely has the ability to have his own restaurant. I don't hold a gun to anyone's head and I would never force anyone to stay, but would always support them and let them go with my blessing."

Sara Kent has also recently joined the Murano team as general manager and moves from her previous role as hospitality manager for Hartnett's consultancy at Whitechapel Gallery in East London.

"I'm particularly pleased to be able to manage the developments for Murano from within," added Hartnett, "and excited by the prospect of working with this dynamic new team to advance the restaurant in the coming months and years."