When Elite Traveler recently interviewed Simon Rogan, he hinted that a return to London was on the cards.
Now it has been revealed that the highly accomplished chef, whose flagship restaurant L’Enclume in Cumbria, north-west England has two Michelin stars, will take the helm at Claridge’s new restaurant from spring 2014.
The venue, which is yet to be named, will showcase the chef-turned-restaurateur’s modern British cooking style and creative techniques, which are inspired by his devotion to using fresh produce from north-west England, most of which is sourced from his farm in Cartmel Valley, Cumbria.
Calling his appointment at Claridge’s a “massive honour”, Rogan said: “I have long been looking for a permanent London home and in Claridge’s I feel we have found a true partnership of creativity and world-class excellence.
“My team and I are looking forward to the challenge of marrying my culinary style with the phenomenal heritage of Claridge’s.”
The 45-year-old is said to have fought off competition from world-class chefs to land one of the most sought-after contracts in the dining industry.
The restaurant at Claridge’s was previously occupied by Gordon Ramsay, who operated the venue for more than a decade.
Claridge’s general manager Thomas Kochs said: “[Simon Rogan] is a home-grown British talent and we believe his inspiring culinary concept for the hotel will lead the way for a new dining direction, building on the bold approach for which Claridge’s has always been known.”
Stephen Alden, CEO of Maybourne Hotel Group, added: “When we first met Simon, we immediately sensed the shared belief in creating something truly special that both our guests and Londoners would enjoy.
“His talent combined with our address and genuine commitment to exceptional service are a great match.”
Rogan’s return to London will come almost a year after the closure of Roganic, his first restaurant in London. The restaurant closed in June after two years of success in the capital.
In September, the Michelin-starred chef opened a second restaurant at upmarket Manchester hotel The Midland, called Mr Cooper’s House & Garden, adding to his fine dining restaurant The French, which has already made it to number 12 in the Waitrose Good Food Guide 2014 within six months of opening.
L’Enclume in Cartmel was named as the best restaurant in the UK by the Good Food Guide.
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