Standout chef makes No.8 the one to watch again

Crown is giving 10-year-old restaurant No.8 a facelift and putting it under the guidance of lauded young Brit John Lawson.

Lawson arrived in Melbourne in 2010 to open Gordon Ramsay's Maze restaurant as head chef and after its closure went on to run Crown's Mr Hive restaurant on the same site.

Lawson will get his name on the marquee, with the restaurant being rebadged to ''No.8 by John Lawson''. The 110-seat room will be refreshed. Local produce and Lawson's classic technique will highlight the menu.

Lawson says he is ''seeking standout ingredients grown specifically for No.8 from local suppliers that will complete my signature dishes''.

Peter Crinis, group executive general manager Crown Hotels, retail and food and beverage, says: ''Giving John the creative reins is a reflection of Crown's commitment to fostering talent in the hospitality industry.''

At Mr Hive, Jodie Wallace has been promoted to chef de cuisine. No.8 by John Lawson is due to open in mid-October.