Kitchen too hot for Novelli

Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli is leaving his restaurant following a split with management. The Frenchman, the fiery star of the reality show Hell's Kitchen, has quit Auberge du Lac, the restaurant at Brocket Hall in Hertfordshire, as his three-year contract has come to an end.

The 44-year-old, who once owned six restaurants and held three Michelin stars before going bankrupt, issued a statement saying he had decided to quit after failing to reach a "mutually agreeable decision" over a new contract.

But the management at Brocket Hall said it was their decision not to renew Novelli's contract and branded him " petulant".

Novelli will leave Auberge du Lac and The London Capital Club, both managed by the g roup which runs Brocket Hall, with effect from Sunday.

Novelli cited "repeated payment problems and failure to reach a mutually agreeable decision" over contract renewal as his reason for leaving. "I finally decided enough is enough," he said.

"I would sincerely like to thank all my loyal staff, customers and club members for their patronage and hope to be able to offer them my hospitality in the future. I did my best ... I have managed to achieve the expected goal to turn Auberge around financially and put the place on the world map."

The chef said he had been obliged to issue legal proceedings against Brocket Hall for nonpayment of fees.

But Andrew Hepburn, director and general manager of Brocket Hall, said: "There was a slight delay in payment of fees but they have now been paid. In a fit of petulance he decided to issue a writ. It is absurd.

"Mr Novelli's contract came to an end and after careful consideration it was our choice not to renew it."