Hansen, who launched the Clerkenwell site in 2008, says she has made the decision to step away to “explore other opportunities”.
Robert Mcleary, who has been head chef for the past five years, will take over as executive chef after Hansen's imminent departure.
“I can’t thank the loyal customers of The Modern Pantry enough for making it the incredible success that it is today,” says Hansen.
“I have no doubt that the future is still bright for the restaurant and the next 10 years will be just as exciting as the last. I’m moving on to explore other opportunities and I feel very comfortable leaving The Modern Pantry in the extremely capable hands of my good friend Robert. He has been with me since the very beginning and knows the business inside out so I’m sure it will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Born in Canada to Kiwi parents, Hansen previously worked alongside chef Peter Gordon at his soon-to-close London restaurant The Providores & Tapa Room and won plaudits at The Modern Pantry for her original and eclectic flavour combinations.
She opened a second outpost of Modern Pantry in Finsbury Square in 2015, but it closed after just over two years.
Des Gunewardena CEO of D&D London and co-owner of The Modern Pantry says: “I’ll be very sad to see Anna leave The Modern Pantry. She is a uniquely talented chef and businesswoman and she should be proud of what she has created. I wish her the best of luck in her future projects, which I’m sure will be huge successes. I’m also very excited to see what the future holds for the restaurant, which I hope with Rob at the helm will continue to flourish.”