THE chef behind one of the most hotly anticipated restaurant openings of 2017 has pulled out of the project.

Tom Griffiths garnered rave reviews with his Brighton restaurant Flank and had been set to take the helm of new opening Pascere, alongside restaurateur Amanda Menahem.

However, with just weeks to go before its opening, it has been announced Griffiths will no longer be a part of the project.

In a statement the owners said the partnership wasn’t “quite the right fit”.

Griffiths, who has a reputation as one of the most exciting young chefs in the country, said in a Facebook post: “Some of you may know already, but for those of you that don’t, by mutual agreement I’m parting ways with Pascere.

“It’s been a great ride developing with Amanda, but due to artistic creative differences it was best for us both that I go solo and pursue Flank.

“I wish Amanda and the team the best of luck for the future.

“So it’s back to fire and ferments for me.

“Will be announcing my plans to come very soon.”

Pascere, which will open in Duke Street, Brighton, this summer, has announced that Johnny Stanford will step into Griffiths’s shoes and run the kitchen.

He has more than 12 years of experience working in Michelin-starred kitchens notably with Matt Gillan at South Lodge Hotel near Horsham.

He said: “I’m really excited about the opportunity to create something exceptional.

“The Brighton food scene is evolving so rapidly and I look forward to being a part of this emerging culture and embracing everything the city has to offer.”