Fred Clapperton has been appointed head chef at Drake’s in Ripley, Surrey, in succession to founder Steve Drake, who has left following his divorce from Serina. The couple founded the restaurant in 2004, winning praise from the Harden’s Survey for “adventurous” and “memorable” modern British cuisine.

Clapperton, 28, joined Drake’s four years ago and has taken charge of the kitchen in Steve’s absences for a while, so no major changes are planned for the menu in the immediate future.

Serina now owns the business under the couple’s settlement, while Steve retains his interest in the Anchor pub along the road in Ripley, which the couple bought with partners three years ago. He is understood to be looking at other projects.