A Derry chef has opened up on life after the 'Great British Menu' and becoming head chef at a new restaurant set to open in the heart of the city.
Chef Phelim O'Hagan is teaming up with North West businessman and chef Ray Moran, who was also Phelim's first head chef in his culinary career, to open a new eatery.
Artis, situated in the city's Craft Village, is set to open next weekend on November 26.
Head Chef Phelim spoke to MyDerry about this exciting new business venture.
He said: " Great British Menu was definitely a stepping stone, it was fantastic.
"I am naturally quite shy, it did boost my confidence massively and allowed me to be more outspoken.
"Achieving something like Artis was always a dream and without doing Great British Menu it would not have happened as quickly. Knowing Ray Moran for so long as well it came together perfectly and it felt like the right thing to do."
Artis will takeover the inside space previously used by Soda and Starch, who will continue to use their sheltered outside space in the middle of the Craft Village on a seasonal basis.
Phelim spoke about the recent reinvigoration of Derry's Craft Village and the transformation he has seen over the years.
He said: "I always loved the craft village, but for a while it was quiet and almost forgotten about.
"Bringing the outside seating that Soda and Starch developed brought people in and kept them there which then benefits the surrounding businesses. The craft village is buzzing now with the local businesses situated inside.
"Ray wanted to work to make the Craft Village a food hub that you would see in other cities."
Artis is set to provide a high-end dining experience, as Phelim described. He is striving to create an inviting and warm atmosphere, with locally produced high quality food.
He said: "It is high end comfort food, food that people recognise. It is full of familiarity but the key will be getting it from the best possible sources and preparing it in the best possible way. I am excited about the whole menu.
"Local suppliers are head and shoulders above anything we could get imported. It is a chain reaction, we are helping the suppliers and they are helping us. We will be championing local.
"It is going to be a more cosy and inviting space, it is completely under renovation at the minute. I want people to be wow'd by the food and the meal that they have. I want to bring that wow factor.
"I want people to feel a buzz when they come out for something to eat. Not just coming out for a meal but coming out for a special occasion and having that buzz every time."
" I am super excited, nervous but excited. It is the first time I have put myself out on this pedestal. I can fully let myself shine and I want people to enjoy the food that we produce."
Artis will have its opening night on Friday November 26.
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