Michel Roux Jr has announced the closure of his famous London restaurant Le Gavroche, two Michelin stars.

The Mayfair institution will close in January so the chef can take a step back from the daily stresses of running one of the capital’s best-known restaurants.

In a statement posted on his website, Roux said: “This decision was not taken lightly. Le Gavroche means so much, not only to me and the Roux family, but to the entire Gavroche team and you, our guests, who have become our family over so many years.

“I always thought that if Le Gavroche had to close, it had to be on top. Le Gavroche continues to be full, week after week, but I’ve known for a while that I need to find time for a better work/life balance, so I can spend more time with my family and on my other professional projects. ”

Roux, a former Masterchef: The Professionals judge, said the restaurant will host a series of celebratory dinner parties from November until it closes, with family members and “familiar faces” planned. Several celebrity chefs have launched their careers at Le Gavroche, including Gordon Ramsay, Marco Pierre White and Marcus Wareing.

Gavroche staff will go through redundancy consultations over the next few weeks, according to The trainerwhich reported that the restaurant said those not eligible for layoff would still be financially supported.

Le Gavroche, which translates to The Urchin, opened in Sloane Square in 1967, a time before London was known for its sophisticated dining scene.

It was started by pioneering brothers Albert Roux, the current owner’s father, and Michael Roux Sr, who were among the first restaurateurs to bring classic French cuisine to the capital.

Critics praised the restaurant highly and it became a pioneer of London gastronomy. It was one of the first British restaurants to win a Michelin star, in 1974, then in 1977 he became one of four to win a second. It was also the first restaurant in Britain to achieve three stars, in 1982, after moving to its current location on Upper Brook Street in Mayfair.

Roux Jr took over Le Gavroche in 1991, and the restaurant has since retained two Michelin stars and regularly ranks in the list of the world’s 50 best restaurants.

In his statement, Roux Jr said the restaurant’s closure did not mean the end of the Le Gavroche brand: “The name will live on, as will the Roux dynasty. There will be Le Gavroche pop-ups and events in the future, both at home and abroad.