Elystan Street’s head chef exits amid ‘professional difference of opinion’

Toby Burrowes has departed as head chef from Phil Howard’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Elystan Street in Chelsea amid a “professional difference of opinion”.

Burrowes announced his departure in an Instagram post, which said: “Well the time has come, I have stepped down as head chef at Elystan Street, due to a professional difference of opinion.

“I’d like to thank [Phil Howard] for taking me in straight off the boat and under his wing at The Square all those years ago, and for choosing me as the only one he took with him to [Elystan Street] to open it.”

He held the position as head chef since 2016, having previously worked under Howard at The Square in Mayfair.

Burrowes added: “As it stands I’m taking a short break from the stoves and I’ll be looking to step into something where I can spread my wings under my own name.”

Howard opened Elystan Street with restaurateur Rebecca Mascarenhas in September 2016 and gained a Michelin-star since 2018.

Earlier this week, RSM Restructuring Advisor was appointed as administrators to three companies within the Marc Limited restaurant group, which included The Square restaurant.