Angela Hartnett buys Murano from Gordon Ramsay Holdings

After months of speculation, Gordon Ramsay Holdings and Angela Hartnett have announced that as of today, Murano, the Michelin starred, fine-dining Italian restaurant in Mayfair will be wholly owned by Angela Hartnett.

In a joint statement, the press release said: “After 15 years at Gordon Ramsay Holdings, Angela decided that the time was right for her to open her own restaurant and after discussions with Gordon; he was delighted to offer her the opportunity to buy Murano, which she accepted. With immediate effect, the restaurant will be owned and operated by Angela and all staff will be offered the opportunity to stay at Murano.  Head chef Diego Cardoso has already confirmed he will remain as head chef at Murano.”

Hartnett will continue to support the York & Albany until the end of the year.

The 2009 Catey Chef Award winner said: “After 17 amazing years working with Gordon and all the team at GRH, the time is right to stand on my own two feet and have my own restaurant.  The opportunity to buy Murano was just too good to be true and I jumped at the offer.  I’d like to thank Gordon for all his support over the years. I wouldn’t be where I am without him and this certainly isn’t the end of the road with GRH.”

Ramsay commented:  “I’m delighted Angela and I can make this announcement.  She has been a trusted colleague and great friend for many years and I was pleased to be able to help her branch out on her own with the purchase of Murano. I would like to thank her for all her hard work and support over the years and I’m sure Murano is going to continue to be a great success.”

Hartnett told The Evening Standard: “Murano did not have my name above the door. "When I first went to see Gordon about having my own place I asked his advice and he said 'why not buy out Murano?' I said 'I'd love to, but I never thought you would sell'. It was all a bit emotional. He said he thought I had come to tell him I was dying." 

Murano will be launching a new website http://www.angela-hartnett.com/ shortly, and reservations can be made at 020 7495 1127 or via e-mail murano@angela-hartnett.com.

By Amanda Afiya

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