Paul Ripley opts to keep control of Michelin-starred restaurant

Ripley's, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Cornwall, is to remain under the ownership of its chef-proprietor Paul Ripley, Caterer has learnt.

Ripley revealed in November that he was closing his St Merryn business down and considering putting it on the market (Caterer, 22 November, page 6). But the chef-proprietor said this week that he had decided to install a head chef and restaurant manager and retain the business under his control.

The new head chef will be Australian-born Zane Rosell, 30, who has worked as Ripley's sous chef for the last three years. A restaurant manager has yet to be appointed.

"I've every confidence in Zane," said Ripley. "We're on the same wavelength, so when he said he was interested in taking over the running of the restaurant, I had a rethink. The plan is to let him get on and do things, but to be on hand for advice when necessary."

The 32-seat restaurant, which has always closed annually for a month in the winter, will reopen on 22 January.

Ripley confirmed that he still plans to develop the restaurant's sister business, a deli - also in St Merryn - during 2008, extending its scope by adding café tables and offering a tapas menu.

By Joanna Wood

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