Jason Atherton parts ways with IHG in Dubai

Jason Atherton has left Marina Social in Dubai to open a new restaurant in the emirate.

The chef opened the restaurant at the InterContinental Dubai Marina in 2015 but has now parted ways with the hotel brand to pursue his own project.

Atherton has long had an association with Dubai. He first worked in the city in 2001 when he moved to open Verre at Hilton Dubai Creek, working with Gordon Ramsay and Angela Hartnett. It was at the hotel where he met his now wife and business partner Irha Atherton, who was working as a receptionist.

He left Dubai in 2005, returning a decade later to open Marina Social.

Atherton said it was now time for a "different direction".

He added: "After seven successful years at Marina Social, I have taken the tough decision to end my partnership with Intercontinental Hotel Group.

"It has been a fantastic project to be part of and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the whole Marina Social team, IHG, Select Properties, Rahail and Antje, for believing in our vision and supporting a journey which is close to my heart. It is now time for a different direction and to bring a new style of dining to Dubai."

A separate statement from the Social Company announced that "Jason is excited to develop an exciting new space within Dubai's restaurant scene".

Last month Atherton announced his departure from the Biltmore hotel in London, where he ran the Betterment restaurant in partnership with Hilton. He said at the time that more London openings were planned for later in the year.