2 Michelin Star Chefs: Daniel Clifford, Midsummer House
Daniel Clifford is the chef patron of two Michelin-starred Midsummer House in Cambridge
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Born in Canterbury in 1973, the chef took over the Cambridge restaurant in 1998 and earned the restaurant’s first Michelin star in 2002. A second followed in 2005, which it has retained ever since.
Daniel’s Successes
Daniel Clifford became a household name after appearing on the BBC's Great British Menu, where he won best main dish in 2012 and best dessert in 2013, and impressed onlookers with an inventive approach and down-to-earth attitude.
The chef was been known amongst his peers for many years prior thanks to a fresh approach to food preparation and ingredients and an openness to saying things as they are.
He began as a
Midsummer House
Daniel took over what was a struggling restaurant at the time, and turned it into one of the most prestigious establishments in East Anglia. For this, the chef credits his wife and family, without whom he says he wouldn't have had the strength or desire to achieve what he has.
It is clear
there have been tough moments since Daniel began turning Midsummer House into the success we see today, not least the two occasions which saw the riverside restaurant forced to close due to floods.
Daniel also talked
Since then, the restaurant has emptied its wine cellar and offers just a parred-down drinks list, the menu is tasting only with no vegetarian or vegan options. Both chefs said that although simpler than before, the new offering is vastly superior, and they believe it will permanently improve the overall experience at the restaurant.
What the guides say...
Ranked 22nd best restaurant in the UK
8/10 score, meaning "Highly individual with impressive artistry," and "little room for disappointment"
Harden's
Cooking style
Daniel’s menu and style of food focuses on the most seasonal produce and his dishes are developed to make they taste as natural as possible.
Top chefs who have passed through Midsummer kitchen
Midsummer House prides itself on staff development with some brilliant chefs passing through the kitchen during the years and progressing to gain their own Michelin stars including Mark Poynton, Tim Allen, Lawrence Yates and Matt Gillan
Awards and tv appearances:
AA Guide 5 Rosettes
BBC Great British Menu winner 2012, 2013
Chefs’ Chef of the Year at the 2015/16 AA awards
Midsummer House head chef Mark Abbott won the Great British Menu starter in 2016
Snackmasters 2020
Videos by Daniel Clifford:
Other Michelin Star Chefs
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