A FAMOUS chef with a thriving two-Michelin-starred restaurant in South Lakeland has opened a new venue in London which is garnering a lot of attention.

Simon Rogan already boasts the revered L'Enclume at Cartmel among his portfolio, and has now opened up Roganic in London's Blandford Street in Marylebone.

Roganic first opened in 2011 as a two-year pop-up, but now returns as a permanent fixture.

"We really enjoyed being there first time around and it feels so right to be back," says Mr Rogan on his website. "We had so much fun last time Roganic was in London and I’m confident that the second time around will be no different.”

The tables are laid with white linen tablecloths, and there is something of an '80s vibe about the cane-woven chairs.

But that is where the retro chic ends though, as the tan leather benches provide cool comfort and the walls artistically showcase copper and gunmetal paint, toned down with other plain white backdrops. The wooden reef lampshades, looped around like petals, offer a finishing touch on the simple but well thought-out design.

There's an 11-course short tasting menu (£80) or 19-course long tasting menu (£115), with veggie options available. There's also a set Business Lunch Menu for £40, and wine pairing options ranging from £25-£75.

Visit https://www.roganic.uk/ for contact details, how to make reservations, and more information.

Meanwhile, two chefs from Rogan's L'Enclume restaurant made it through to the national finals of a prestigious culinary competition as they sought to become Britain's best young chef.

Ben Champkin and Sam Nash both made it through to Monday's final of The Roux Scholarship, which has been running for more than 30 years.

They went into the competition hoping to win a three-month stage at any three star Michelin restaurant in the world with all expenses paid.

They both made it through regional finals on March 8 to make Monday's final.

Unfortunately, the two were beaten into first place by 29-year-old Martin Carabott, senior sous chef at the Hide in London.

BEN CHAMPKIN and SAM NASH from L'Enclume, Cartmel DID get through to the national final on Mon Mar 26th.