Reid previously worked as a senior sous chef at Brockencote Hall in Worcestershire and at the Michelin-starred Chester Grosvenor Hotel. He joins The French at the same time as new restaurant manager Kamila Plonska, who spent three years as assistant manager of Rogan's Cumbrian property, L’Enclume.
“I feel really honoured to be working alongside someone like Simon," said Reid. "I grew up in Manchester so I have always loved the city, and I’m delighted to be part of one if it’s most iconic restaurants.
"Simon has a very unique style, and I was really lucky to spend a considerable amount of my training at L’Enclume, where we worked together on the menu. With Simon’s guidance, I want to continue his great work with the support of a strong chef brigade here at The Midland.”
Kamila added: ‘When Simon offered me the opportunity to move to Manchester and manage The French, I didn’t think twice about accepting. My job heading up the front-of-house team is to ensure guests enjoy a high level of service and attention which cannot be found in any other restaurant in the city.”
The French fine-dining restaurant officially opened at The Midland Hotel on Manchester's Peter Street on Tuesday (12 March). Full details of the restaurant can be found here.