George Ryle leaves London's Garden Café to open own restaurant

George Ryle is to leave his role as head chef of the Garden Café in London's Garden Museum next month.

He has held the position since 2017, following the launch of the redesigned 50-cover café and restaurant, which offered laid-back dining and seasonal British produce.

Ryle and his family will be moving back to Yorkshire, where he intends to open his own restaurant.

Ryle said: "I feel incredibly proud of what has been achieved at the Garden Museum since I opened the cafe with Harry back in 2017. Back then, we saw an opportunity to do something super exciting in a really unique space and in the five years that followed, through a combination of hard work, great food and talented people, I believe we have created something very special."

He added: "It's been a tough decision, and there will certainly be a hint of sadness at leaving the cafe, for sure. But after five years as head chef, it feels like the right time to make a move and pursue my ambition to open my own restaurant in my hometown.

"I want to thank Christopher and the whole team at the Garden Museum for giving me the opportunity to do my own thing in the kitchen, and hope that anybody who's eaten with us over the last five years has enjoyed the experience."

Christopher Woodward, director of the Garden Museum, said: "We'd like to offer a huge thank you to George for all he's achieved at the Garden Cafe. From humble beginnings back in 2017, he's firmly put the cafe on the London restaurant map, with his simple, delicious dishes, and for that we will always be grateful.

"We wish him all the best for his new venture in Yorkshire, where I am sure he will make a very positive mark."