Simon Rogan to upgrade Manchester's the French

Simon Rogan's restaurant the French at the Midland hotel in Manchester is set to close in the summer for a "significant" upgrade.

The work, which is due to take place in August this year, will include:

• A small lounger area for pre- and post-dining drinks and coffee
• Additional seating within the restaurant, featuring a bespoke central banquette, increasing the overall accommodation by four tables and up to 15 spaces
• A new entrance to the restaurant, accessed directly from the foyer of the hotel
• Private ladies' and gents' facilities connected to the restaurant.

Commenting on the changes to the restaurant, Rogan said: "This is a very exciting development for the restaurant's future growth and the comfort of its customers. It is also a clear indication of our commitment and desire to make the French in Manchester an even greater success."

The French, which is fronted by head chef Adam Reid and restaurant manager Kamila Nkamchor, featured in the 2014 BBC TV series Restaurant Wars, chronicling Rogan and Aiden Byrne's attempts to open fine-dining restaurants in a city that hadn't won a Michelin star in 30 years.

Despite media speculation, neither restaurant won a star in the 2015 Michelin Guide, prompting its editor, Rebecca Burr, to say that she "felt for Manchester".

In addition to making improvements at the French, Rogan also plans to close his two-Michelin-starred L'Enclume in Cartmel, Cumbria, in December this year to make improvements.

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