11th December 2012

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Simon Rogan to open at the French at the Midland Hotel

What a year for Simon Rogan. Hot on the heels of being awarded the much-coveted score of 10 from The Good Food Guide 2013 earlier this autumn comes an exciting new venture in Manchester.

Rogan will take over the management of two restaurants in The Midland Hotel - The French, which The Good Food Guide 2013 describes as 'Manchester's greatest dining room', an '"occasion restaurant" incarnate', and a second, larger bar and dining room in the hotel (currently named the Colony).

'I have always loved Manchester,' says Rogan, 'it's like being in London, but on a smaller scale. It's trendy and dynamic, but very accessible and friendly. Overall, the Manchester dining scene has been quite casual and bar-driven, but this is a great opportunity to set the trend for luxury dining, and the city is definitely ready for it.'

The 50-seat restaurant will close in January 2013 and reopen in late February, following a modern revamp. Rogan is planning to offer L'Enclume-style cuisine with his signature use of British-only produce and ingredients. The second, larger restaurant, as yet without a name, will seat approximately 150 in a more informal, contemporary style and is due to open in May. Dishes will still have Rogan's stamp on them, but he and his chefs will not restrict themselves to UK-only influences.

'There is huge affection for The Midland Hotel in Manchester', says Rogan, 'and I want to help bring its restaurants back to their former glory. It's a wonderful challenge.'