Michelin star chef Simon Rogan takes over Cartmel pub (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Michelin star chef Simon Rogan takes over Cartmel pub

10:20am Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News By Helen Perkins, Reporter

CELEBRITY chef Simon Rogan has taken on a Cartmel pub to add to his expanding culinary empire.

The 44-year-old star of BBC’s Great British Menu will add the village’s Pig and Whistle pub to his double Michelin-starred L’Enclume and Rogan & Co restaurants.

He is set to relaunch the venue, owned by Robinsons Brewery, tomorrow after refurbishment.

Mr Rogan said: “Having 30 years’ experience and two other hospitality businesses within the village means we have a good hold on things generally.

“We are aware of the trends, peaks and troughs that come within this industry and especially within this area. We also know the locals and have socialised with them at length during our time here in Cartmel.

“They want a presence and a personality in their pubs, and this is exactly what we will give them at the Pig and Whistle.

“The first thing our guests ask us when they check into our accommodation at L’Enclume is, ‘Where can we go for a good drink?’ In the past we have always recommended other people’s pubs, now we can recommend our own.”

The Pig and Whistle has been Mr Rogan’s local pub since he and partner Penny Tapsell moved to the village 10 years ago.

He added: “It’s one of four pubs in the village. It has lots of charm, it’s small and quaint and when it came up for grabs we felt we had to have it.

“And best of all, it’s just a stone’s throw away from our own front door.”

Mr Rogan, already has future plans for the venue, including new carpets, curtains and furniture, a new bar area, and a possible conservatory.