Gordon Ramsay's right hand man joins pub group

Gordon Ramsay's right hand man Mark Sargeant is to to take on a "new challenge" as creative director of pub group, the Swan Collection.

 Sargeant is to leave Gordon Ramsay Holdings (GRH) next month after 13 years to join the owners of the Swan in West Malling and the Swan at The Globe.

 The chef, who stepped down as chef de cuisine at Gordon Ramsay at Claridge's in June to focus on Ramsay's publishing and television ventures, will remain working with GRH on these creative projects while he works with the Swan Collection.

 "I have had the most incredible 13 years working with Gordon and am hugely proud of the part that I have played in the growth and success of GRH," he said.

 "I have gained such incredible experience and now want to embrace a new challenge with the support and blessing of Gordon.

 "I feel that everything I have been learning in my time at GRH will stand me in good stead for this exciting new chapter in my life"

 Ramsay, who first employed Sargeant at Aubergine in 1996, said: "Mark's talent, energy and commitment have all shone through and made him one of the brightest stars to come out of my kitchens.

 "I am looking forward to following his new role outside the GR Holdings arenas I think it is exactly the right time for Mark to spread his creative wings.

 "We're very lucky at Gordon Ramsay Holdings that we're able to grow people through the business — just as we have with Mark."

 Sargeant oversaw the opening of GRH's three pubs and the launch of Gordon Ramsay Forte Village in Sardinia and Contrada at Castel Monastero in Tuscany, both of which opened this year.