Neil Perry has today announced his retirement from the role of culinary director and ambassador at Rockpool Dining Group.

The shock move will see Perry remain as a consultant and major shareholder of the group, which includes fine-dining favourites Spice Temple, Rockpool Bar + Grill and Rosetta.

Perry has spent forty years working in the Australian hospitality sector and, more recently, navigating the coronavirus pandemic and its devastating effects on the industry. He will now be focusing his time on the development of the Hope Delivery initiative, one of his charitable endeavours backed by Rockpool Group, which seeks to provide free meals to those in need.

“As the business now needs to embark on a new chapter it is time for a fresh start,” says Perry.

“It will never be easy to move on from the restaurants I founded, and I do so with a heavy heart. But as the business and the sector set their sights on new beginnings, it is the right time for the next generation to have the opportunity afforded to me over 40 years ago,” he continues.

“The Group has embarked on an amazing post-Covid recovery with fabulous re-opening results. For now, I will throw my passion and effort into Hope Delivery, which supports those in need, as well as my other commitments.”

Rockpool Dining Group has over 80 restaurants and bars around Australia and employs over 3000 staff, according to the group’s website. Its restaurants include Sake, El Camino Cantina, The Bavarian, Beerhaus and Fratelli Fresh.