Craig Rogan appointed Head Chef of The Collective Leeds

Craig Rogan has been appointed Head Chef of the multi-purpose venue The Collective in Leeds after leaving Dakota earlier this year.

Discussing the role with The Yorkshire Press, Craig called the appointment a “a dream come true” expressing his excitement to “lead a kitchen with complete creative freedom.”

Commenting on his new appointment, Craig said: "It's long been a dream of mine to lead a kitchen with complete creative freedom to run wild. I've always expressed myself through food and The Collective team has given me the platform to do just that."

As head chef Craig is expected to develop a brunch offering, as well as five- and eight-course tasting menus, an à la carte offering and a modern spin on a traditional Sunday roast.

Championing sustainable local produce from across the UK, Craig’s all-day menu boasts woodland mushrooms on toast with old Winchester cheese and black truffle honey; baked egg shakshuka with chorizo and Yorkshire cheddar, and salt-baked beetroots with kidderton ash, walnuts and raspberry vinegar.

The evening menu includes violet potato with ox cheek and lovage; hen of the woods with charcoal and cheddar; chicken with bilberry and walnut, and white chocolate with milk and brambles.

The Collective launched in 2021 as an interior design retail and cafe-bar concept, inspired by the Los Angeles art scene.

Founder Dale Wynter told The Yorkshire Press: "The Collective is proof that the key to survival is constant reinvention, and we were confident that our latest incarnation would strike a chord with our customers. Craig really exceeded our expectations with his tasting menus and our bar has really taken things to the next level too."

Dale added: "We're proud of what we've achieved so far and believe our autumn and winter offering is our strongest to date. Our aim is to be the best in the city and I feel we've got the right people on board to make this happen. We can't wait to see what the future holds."

Craig, the son of 3 Michelin-starred chef Simon Rogan, joins The Collective after previously working as executive chef of the Dakota Leeds.

He has previously held positions at The Grand Hotel in York, Fera at Claridges, and L'Enclume.