Munkley commented: “After 25 wonderful years here at the Royal Garden Hotel as executive chef it is time to hang up my chefs knives and say farewell. I have worked with some marvellous people and have been supported by some outstanding suppliers.

“The owners of the Hotel have decided to embark on a refurbishment program throughout 2021 and will look to reopen in 2022, therefore majority of the employees of the hotel are being made redundant.

“I will be taking some time in the new year to reflect and work on Craft Guild projects and the salon at The Hotel, Restaurant and Catering show [formally Hotelympia] which will be going virtual in 2021. Then who knows what may come along.

“My last day at the hotel will be Friday 11th Dec, if you have my personal email feel free to keep in contact or as my kids have now dragged me kicking and screaming into the digital world I am on LinkedIn!!”