Star Gwent chef ‘had planned to leave’ closed Michelin-starred restaurant (From Free Press Series)

Star Gwent chef, James Sommerin, ‘had planned to leave’ closed Michelin-starred restaurant, The Crown at Whitebrook

12:58pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News

STAR Gwent chef James Sommerin distanced himself from the closure of Michelin-starred The Crown at Whitebrook today and said that he had been planning to leave the restaurant later this year.

The Caerleon-born chef revealed he had ‘no financial interest’ in the business, and told of his disappointment and surprise at the closure, but also his excitement at his plans to open a new restaurant.

He said: “The restaurant itself was very popular and extremely busy, however, I understand that other problems have arisen.

Talking about his plans, he said he was hoping to announce his new venture in the coming weeks and the owners of The Crown at Whitebrook had been aware of his intentions.

He added: “These are extremely exciting times for me. "Over the last few months I have been exploring an opportunity to open my own quality restaurant in South Wales. “Plans for my new restaurant are progressing well and my goal is to achieve a Michelin-Star once it opens. I hope to be able to announce my new venture in the coming weeks so watch this space!"

The Crown at Whitebrook, one of just four Michelin-starred restaurants in Wales, closed down ‘with immediate affect’ last week leaving Executive Head chef, James Sommerin and the establishment’s 19 staff, jobless.

James, 34, who lives with his wife and three children in Pontypool, gained the Michelin star for the restaurant in 2007 when he was 28,