It's been the poorest-held secret in restaurant circles that Angela Hartnett wanted her freedom. Today she finally announced that she's buying her restaurant Murano from Gordon Ramsay Holdings and going it alone.
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."
But in turns out that the conversation with Ramsay hadn't been quite as straightforward as all that. As Hartnett explained later to the Evening Standard; "When I first went to see Gordon about having my own place I asked his advice and he said 'why not buy out Murano?' I said 'I'd love to, but I never thought you would sell'. It was all a bit emotional. He said he thought I had come to tell him I was dying."
Ramsay said of the sale; "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."
Of course, Murano wasn't the only tie Angela Hartnett had with Gordon Ramsay Holdings. She is still working with him as Chef Patron for their joint Camden venture York & Albany until at least the end of 2010.
