Birchall who works for the Cartmel, Cumbria and Manchester operations for owner Rogan will be leaving the company on 31 July, 2015. It is not yet known where his first solo restaurant will be.
A Roux Scholar, Birchall joined the L’Enclume restaurant in Cartmel in 2006 as Sous Chef, progressing to head chef in early 2008 and was promoted to the new role across the northern restaurants in November 2014.
Rogan said he is exploring options to succeed Birchall within the five-strong Umbel Restaurant Group.
“Mark has given me nine years of his culinary life, and I am grateful for his phenomenal contribution to our restaurants’ achievements,” said Rogan. “I wish him all the best for the future, and I will do all I can to help him in his new venture, which I am sure will be a great success.”
Birchall added: “L’Enclume will always have a special place in my heart. I’m truly grateful to have been surrounded by great professionals and to be given such opportunities to develop within a great company over the years.”