James Petrie leaves the Fat Duck

One of Heston Blumental's right-hand chefs has resigned after working for 11 years at the Fat Duck.

Jamie Petrie, also widely known as Jocky, has stepped down from his role as head of creative development at the Fat Duck Experimental Kitchen in Bray, Berkshire.

He announced the news on Twitter on Saturday morning. "After 11 great years working with Heston Blumenthal, I have decided the time has come to move on to explore other opportunities," he wrote. "Looking forward to many new food adventures ahead."

He later told Caterer and Hotelkeeper that leaving the Fat Duck was one of the hardest decisions that he has made, but felt it was right to go now.

"I have a couple of ideas I am exploring right now, but just need the space to pursue," he explained. "I will miss the great team at the Fat Duck and of course Heston, it's been an incredible decade."

Born in Scotland, he started his career on the pot wash at his local Highland hotel.

Petrie has not yet revealed what his next career move will be.

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