Robert Clayton, the Michelin-starred head chef of the Bath Priory hotel and restaurant, quits his position today after seven years at the helm of the hotel kitchen.
He has worked at the hotel, which is owned by chef Michael Caines's business partner Andrew Brownsword, since 1999 and has retained a Michelin star from that date. Before joining, he won and held a Michelin star at Hunstrete House hotel near Bristol from 1996.
The 34-year-old chef said he had been working behind a stove since he was 15 and wanted to take a couple of months out to relax and spend time with his nine-month-old baby and four-year-old daughter.
Clayton was uncertain what his next move might be although he intended to remain in Bath where he has built up a loyal following. He said he did not have the finances to open his own restaurant.
A spokeswoman said the hotel was actively recruiting for a replacement and that an announcement would be "imminent". Sous chef Matt Welling is likely to take the reins in the meantime.