A Michelin-starred chef has lost his share in the restaurant he established and owned with his former wife in a divorce settlement.
Head chef Steve Drake established Drake’s restaurant in Ripley, Surrey, with his wife Serina 16 years ago. The restaurant has since become a regular fixture in the Michelin restaurant guide.
Under the terms of the settlement, Mr Drake will transfer his share of Drake’s to Mrs Drake, while she will transfer her share of the couple’s Anchor gastro pub to him.
The news was announced by the couple in a statement on the restaurant’s website, which said: “As a result of Steve and Serina Drake’s divorce, Steve Drake will cease to be chef proprietor of Drake’s restaurant at the end of August 2016, when a new head chef will be appointed.
“Serina Drake will remain in ownership of Drake’s, and Steve Drake will leave to pursue other ventures, including continuing with his involvement in the The Anchor pub restaurant.”
Surjit Verdi, a family law expert with Palmers, said: “This case underlines the importance of business owners considering carefully the outcome of the division of commercial assets in the event of marital breakdown and, where possible, putting in place measures to protect them with either a pre-nup, or a post-nup agreement.”
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