Angela Hartnett has bought Michelin-starred restaurant Murano from Gordon Ramsay Holdings (GRH), BigHospitality understands.
Hartnett, who opened the Italian fine dining establishment in 2008 with Ramsay, will become the sole owner with immediate effect.
Ramsay and Hartnett confirmed today that after 15 years service for GRH, Hartnett had approached the celebrity chef with ambitions of wholly owning her own restaurant.
Ramsay was "delighted" to offer her the opportunity to buy Murano, which she accepted.
In a statement released today, Hartnett 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.
She added: "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."
Staff
The pair said that the Mayfair-based restaurant will now be owned and operated by Hartnett and all staff are to be offered the opportunity to stay. Head chef Diego Cardoso has reportedly already confirmed that he will retain his position.
Hartnett will continue to support her other venture with Ramsay, the York & Albany, until the end of the year.
The Murano announcement comes as Ramsay reported an almost two-fold increase in profits across his business.
The chef said today: “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."