A FORMER York restaurant owner has made a comeback on the city's culinary scene.

David Rose, former proprietor and head chef of the Blue Bicycle, in Fossgate, has joined York restaurant Sous le Mont, in The Mount, York, as its chef-director, which means he is a partner in the business.

Mr Rose previously owned The Blue Bicycle and its sister caf, The Blue Minelle, with Sarah Brownbridge. But the pair were declared insolvent at the High Court of Justice in April 2003 after creditors the Inland Revenue and HM Customs & Excise filed for bankruptcy.

Staff and customers of The Blue Bicycle were shocked when the restaurant suddenly closed in April 2003 after bailiffs changed the locks when the couple failed to pay the rent.

Property owner Tony Stephenson bought the restaurant from the administrators and the high-profile eatery reopened.

Now though the future looks brighter for Mr Rose, who went travelling after he left The Blue Bicycle. He was recently discharged from bankruptcy, after the law was changed this year to allow most individuals to be discharged after 12 months. He said: "Since my time at The Blue Bicycle, I've been cooking my way round France, Spain, and the Caribbean."

"I've had a great time, but I felt it was the right moment to return to York and get back in the kitchen. You could say that I've 'cycled' my way back from my 'blue' period."

His arrival at Sous le Mont sees the introduction of a new menu, concentrating on locally-produced food. He said: "This week, we've created a brand new imaginative menu, combining modern European cuisine with a focus on using the best local ingredients.

"Most produce is sourced from the finest family farms within 20 miles of the restaurant." Mr Rose heads up an already impressive kitchen team, including a dedicated pastry chef. Sous le Mont is one of the few York restaurants to have one.

Partner and restaurant manager Matthew Osborne said: "We've put a lot of passion, pride and energy into this place. I think that Sous le Mont has gained a unique reputation and with David joining us now the sky's the limit. We're aiming to set the benchmark in York."

To celebrate the new appointment, the restaurant has launched a new website at www.souslemont.com

Updated: 09:51 Thursday, June 24, 2004