SOUTHAMPTON'S top chef will take the helm at one of the country's most prestigious restaurants.

Simon Rogan will take over from Gordon Ramsay at the restaurant in Claridge's five-star hotel in Mayfair, London.

The former Millbrook schoolboy who grew up in Lordswood, Southampton, began his culinary career at 14-years-old after spotting an advert in the Daily Echo for a job cooking chips and kebabs in one of the city's Greek restaurants.

The 46-year-old has climbed his way up the ranks of British cooking, this year achieving the top spot in The Good Food Guide's annual top 50 ranking with his restaurant L'Enclume in the Lake District, beating Heston Blumenthal's restaurant The Fat Duck.

Simon's CV also includes working with Jean-Christophe Novelli and Marco Pierre White, winning the dessert course in the Great British Menu 2012 and has being a mentor on Masterchef.

He said: “I have long been looking for a permanent London home and in Claridge's I feel we have found a true partnership of creativity and world-class excellence.

“My team and I are looking forward to the challenge of marrying my culinary style with the phenomenal heritage of Claridge's - this is a massive honour and we are focused and determined to create a truly outstanding restaurant.”

Claridge's general manager Thomas Kochs said: “We are very excited about bringing Simon Rogan to Claridge's.

“He is a home-grown British talent and we believe his inspiring culinary concept for the hotel will lead the way for a new dining direction, building on the bold approach for which Claridge's has always been known.”

Gordon Ramsay stepped down as head chef for the hotel in June after running the restaurant for 12 years. Simon will re-open the restaurant next spring.