'Marco Pierre White quits Mirabelle'

Marco Pierre White has resigned as a director of his favourite restaurant - the Mirabelle - it was reported today.

The move comes amid claims that the Mayfair restaurant is up to £10 million in debt.

The Mirabelle's place in his affections was made clear at the end of last year when he named his third child Mirabelle and it was there that he achieved the distinction of being the first British chef to be awarded three Michelin stars.

The guest list for his recent 40th birthday party at the Mirabelle included Madonna, Guy Ritchie and Michael Winner. The figures for the restaurant's reported debts seem remarkable as it appears to be one of the most successful establishments in London. NatWest bank is said to be one of the major creditors.

The Titanic and the Oak Room, two of the chef 's flagship restaurants, both much-hyped and based in Piccadilly hotels, have shut this year after multimillion-pound losses.