CityLife

Kisby quits Le Mont

IT'S Manchester's loftiest restaurant - being 35 metres up in the sky - but posh eaterie Le Mont is now without its high-flying executive chef.

Award-winning Robert Kisby has quit the exclusive French restaurant after three years in charge, since first launching the venue on the top floor of Manchester's landmark Urbis building.

And it sounds like a battle ahead for the restaurant - as Robert tells me he is planning to bring a claim of constructive dismissal against his former employer.

Robert, who has worked for The Midland Hotel and Bridgewater Hall, is known for his uncompromising views and passion for his craft.

He says he is now off on an extended holiday while he considers his future - but hasn't ruled out a return to the Manchester food scene.

He says: "For some considerable time my relationship with my former employer had been difficult. I experienced a lack of clarity and support in my job role and functions.

'Criticisms'

"There were criticisms of my managerial functions and financial performance, under no guidance, support or authority to address those matters and my attempt to discuss issues and move forward were repeatedly and deliberately thwarted.

"Against a backdrop of having to work regularly in excess of 70 hours, and having recently had a formal grievance I had made under the statutory procedure effectively ignored, I reluctantly came to the conclusion that my former employer's future plans did not include me, and I had no option but to resign.

"I have taken legal advice and will be instituting proceedings for constructive unfair dismissal."

Hallogen, the operating company behind Le Mont, did not wish to go into detail about the situation, but said: "Mr Kisby handed in his resignation just before Christmas, and has now left the company. The restaurant will be open as usual."

I understand that there have been no other staff changes at the restaurant, and there is no word as to whether there will be a new executive chef appointed at the venue.

The news comes just three months after the departure of another of Manchester's top chefs, Ian Morgan, from top city eaterie Establishment.

Let's just hope that Robert, a member of the prestigious Academy Of Culinary Art, will be bringing his much-needed gastronomic flair back to the city soon.