CHEF Simon Rogan of L’Enclume restaurant in Cartmel has noticed a surge in popularity this week following his appearance on BBC comedy series The Trip.

After the episode aired on BBC2 at 10pm on Monday night the Michelin-starred chef was immediately inundated with new followers and favourable comments on social networking site Twitter.

The improvised comedy series follows Rob Brydon and Steve Coogan as they travel to six of the North West’s best restaurants as food critics for the Observer.

The pair were less than kind with their comments at points during their nine-course meal but Mr Rogan’s partner Penny said they were pleased with how the restaurant came across.

She said: “We’re really glad we did it and felt we came across positively.

“There was one comment on something having the consistency of snot but you’ve just got to have a sense of humour about it and anyone with half a brain will realise that the food at L’Enclume is exceptional.

“We’re the fourth best restaurant in the UK so we’re not too worried, and I also think you have to bear in mind that quite a lot of alcohol was involved in the making of the programme!”

Within minutes of the show ending, 100 people signed up to follow Simon Rogan on Twitter while TV presenter Giles Coren said he was watching the show.

“It’s just been a really nice experience for the staff, especially our French general manager who appeared in the show and has become a local celebrity around Grange where he lives!” said Mrs Rogan.

The programme got a mixed reaction from Cartmel folk.

Canon Robert Bailey of Cartmel Priory said: “L’Enclume is a wonderful place and the tastes they produce in the sauces are incredible.

“None of that came across, which I thought was quite sad.”

Cartmel Village shop assistant Marion Doyle said: “I thought the programme was really humorous.”

Click on the links below to read our review of the show and to watch the episode on BBC iPlayer.