But Morston Hall’s new owner, Henry Elworthy, now claims an extraordinary row between him and the high-profile chef has left a bitter taste in the mouths of both men.

The hotelier bought the hotel and restaurant near Blakeney from Mr Blackiston in April last year.

Chef Galton Blackiston sold Morston Hall to hotelier Henry Elworthy last year (Image: Supplied)

From the outside, it appeared to be a smooth transition, with Mr Blackiston selling the business to Mr Elworthy and continuing to work in the kitchen as the restaurant's executive chef.

But Mr Elworthy now alleges that a falling out between them culminated in the chef leaving the restaurant in November.

The hotel and real estate investor believes the chef “lost interest” after selling the business, which he claims led to a decline in the quality of the food coming out of the kitchen and a drop in bookings.

Internal data, seen by this newspaper, indicated a spike in Google and Tripadvisor reviews of three-star or lower between April, when Mr Blackiston sold Morston Hall, and early November, when he left the kitchen.

Morston Hall, near Blakeney, north Norfolk (Image: Supplied)

One one-star Tripadvisor review, left in June, said it was "as far........

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