Exeter's celebrity chef Michael Caines has resigned as food and beverage director of Andrew Brownsword Hotels Ltd in order to pursue "exciting" new challenges.
The double Michelin-starred chef will remain as executive chef at Gidleigh Park country house hotel near Chagford, as well as continuing to oversee Michael Caines restaurants at the company's ABode hotels on a consultancy basis.
A statement on the chef's website said: "After 11 years of unique relationship between Andrew Brownsword Hotels and Michael Caines, both parties have agreed a new collaboration which both secures Michael's ongoing involvement in the business whilst also giving him the time to pursue other outside interests."
Mr Caines said: "I have enjoyed a fabulous time with Andrew and Christina and would like to thank them both for their support. I am proud to have worked in close partnership with them to create the ABode group of hotels.
"Together we have developed exciting and award-winning food and beverage concepts that range from signature fine dining and champagne bars to informal cafe bars and taverns. Over the years, we have won numerous awards wherever we have been.
"My commitment to Gidleigh Park remains absolute, and I look forward to continuing to work with Andrew and Christina."
Mr Brownsword said: "Since Michael and I met in Exeter more than 10 years ago, we have been on a journey to develop a portfolio of hotels which give our customers a new level of comfort and service, whilst providing our people with a unique environment within which to grow their skills.
"We have grown rapidly from the acquisition of [the Royal Clarence Hotel in] Exeter in 2003 and our 12 properties now offer a true voyage of discovery for travellers around the UK.
"I would like to thank Michael for his tireless efforts in developing our food and beverage offers to the very highest level and in growing and motivating our people to deliver high quality service to our customers, day after day.
"I'm very pleased that Michael will continue to be involved with our business, whilst also wishing him well with his future other endeavours."
Mr Caines added that he is currently exploring "many and varied" challenges.
"This is an exciting moment," he said. "I am at the stage of my career when it is time to look forward to new future projects as well as to pursue my own business interests. I hope to be able to share these with you very soon."
