Anna Hansen steps away from The Modern Pantry

Chef and owner of The Modern Pantry in London, Anna Hansen, is leaving her post at the restaurant after 10 years at the helm.

Hansen’s cooking experience in both New Zealand and in other parts of the world cultivated a loyal following with customers drawn for the restaurant’s unique dishes.

She said: “I can’t thank the loyal customers of The Modern Pantry enough for making it the incredible success that it is today.

“I have no doubt that the future is still bright for the restaurant and the next 10 years will be just as exciting as the last.”

In an emailed statement, Hansen said she is leaving to “explore other opportunities”, adding that acting head chef Robert Mcleary, who joined The Modern Pantry’s  team shortly after it opened in 2008, has been named the venue’s new executive chef.

“I feel very comfortable leaving The Modern Pantry in the extremely capable hands of my good friend Robert,” Hansen said. “He has been with me since the very beginning and knows the business inside out so I’m sure it will continue to go from strength to strength.”

D&D London chairman, and co-owner of The Modern Pantry, Des Gunewardena, Hansen is “a uniquely talented chef and businesswoman and she should be proud of what she has created.”

“I wish her the best of luck in her future projects, which I’m sure will be huge successes. I’m also very excited to see what the future holds for the restaurant, which I hope with Rob at the helm will continue to flourish.”