THE executive chef at Malmesbury's Whatley Manor Hotel and Spa has left the two-starred Michelin restaurant with immediate effect after spending 13 years in the kitchen.

Martin Burge, who has been working at the hotel since its opening in 2003, left hist post at The Dining Room on Friday to move on to new challenges according to owner Christian Landolt.

He said: "Martin, who has been with the 23-bedroom property with two restaurants for 13 years, is moving on to new challenges. The Dining Room at Whatley Manor, overseen by Martin, has received numerous accolades, including two Michelin stars and the hotel's new General Manager, Sue Williams, hopes to retain those standards in the future."

At the start of his career, Mr Burge graduated with distinctions from Brunel Technology Centre in Bristol and started off at the Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath with Michael Croft. He then moved on to work at a number of restaurants including Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons' with Raymond Blanc before working his way up to Head Chef at L'Orolan at the age of 27.

Years later, he returned to his west country roots and took on the head chef position at Whatley Manor, where he oversaw the running of both The Dining Room and Le Mazot.

Under his leadership, the team at The Dining Room were able to successfully achieve their first Michelin star in 2005, which was bumped up to two in 2009, an achievement he has been able to retain for six years.

Although Whatley Manor have not secured a replacement for the renowned chef, the staff hope that they will be able to continue their fine dining success and continue to climb the rankings in the Good Food Guides' Top 50 UK Restaurants.

Mr Burge has since assured wellwishers on Twitter that he will keep in touch with his fans and update them on his next step.