Simon Rogan is pleased to announce that his former Head Chef Tom Barnes is returning to the business in a new role as Chef Patron of Rogan & Co, Simon’s neighbourhood village restaurant in Cartmel.
Previously Head Chef at Simon’s two Michelin-starred L’Enclume, Tom returns after spending a year at 3* Michelin Restaurant Geranium in Copenhagen.
Born and raised in the Lake District, the decision to move to Rogan & Co is something of a homecoming for Tom. Prior to his overseas placement, Tom began at L’Enclume as a Chef de Partie at the start of 2011 and worked his way up to become Head Chef in spring 2014.
Tom held the position for over three years, taking charge of day to day running of the kitchen and working alongside Simon with the menu development and team training – all practices which will serve him well in this new role at Rogan & Co.
Tom’s arrival back into the Rogan fold marks a trend of talent returning to Simon’s team. A similar tale of familiar faces recently arose when Roganic opened a permanent site in London on 6th January this year. Roganic was initially a well-loved pop up that achieved cult status between 2011-2013, and the new team comprises of many members of the original Roganic lineup, including Oliver Marlow as Head Chef, and James Foster who is heading up the team as General Manager.
In addition, Tom’s story is emblematic of Simon’s practice of curating and nurturing talented chefs. Simon’s team have long been involved in the prestigious Roux Scholarship competition, with the most recent year having three team members from across the portfolio in the final: Ben Champkin from L’Enclume, Oliver Marlow from Roganic, and Sam Nash from L’Enclume. In 2016, Harry Guy, now Head of London Operations, won the prestigious award, with Tom Barnes named the 2014 winner, leading him to spend a three-month stint working at famed Belgian 3* Michelin Restaurant Hof van Cleve.
Of Tom’s announcement, Simon has said, ‘I’m really excited that Tom is re-joining our team. He was a brilliant Head Chef at L’Enclume and his return to the business has been met with real enthusiasm by the whole team up here in the Lake District. Having worked with Tom for years I know that he shares my ethos of working with the best possible ingredients and for creating authentic, delicious dishes. I’m confident that he will bring some exciting new developments to Rogan & Co with his new role and really look forward to seeing what the future holds.’
Tom Barnes has said: ‘I’m really proud to be back to work with Simon and start my new position as Chef Patron at Rogan & Co. I have been very lucky to have worked alongside Simon at L’Enclume and have had a very rewarding career already within the business. It feels right to return to the team now, and to my home in the Lake District. I’m very excited, driven and ambitious, and am ready for this new challenge.’
For reservation enquiries please visit: www.roganandco.co.uk
