Michael Caines MBE appoints James Mason as head chef of The Coach House at Kentisbury Grange

The Staff Canteen

Michael Caines MBE, former head chef of Gidleigh Park which holds two stars in the Michelin Guide UK 2017, has appointed South West Young Professional Chef of the Year 2015, James Mason as head chef of The Coach House at Kentisbury Grange in North Devon.

James entered South West Chef of the Year when he was sous chef at The Salutation Inn, Topsham and has since been awarded numerous accolades, including gold in the Taste of the West awards 2016 and was a finalist in National Chef of the Year 2016.

Michael Caines MBE
Michael Caines MBE

Michael Caines said of his new appointment: “I’m really excited about James joining the team, as he is an excellent young chef. He has worked with me at Michael Caines restaurant in Exeter for two years and won the prestigious title of South West Young Professional Chef of the Year in 2015. I am sure that James will continue to build on our great reputation at The Coach House by Michael Caines and I wish him well in his new appointment.”

The Coach House by Michael Caines continues to go from strength to strength, winning Gold for the second year running in the Devon Tourism Awards 2016. The restaurant was also awarded Gold for Taste of the South West in the South West Tourism Awards 2015 and is a finalist in the prestigious regional awards again this year.

>>> Related: Chef Michael Caines to launch country house hotel in Devon next year

James Mason said of his new role: “I’m very excited about the opportunity to work with such a talented team. I’ve been fortunate enough to gain experience working in top foodie destinations, such as London and France, but my heart has always remained here in the South West and I’m looking forward to moving The Coach House by Michael Caines forward in 2017.”

Since January 2015 The Coach House by Michael Caines has been under the guidance of head chef Tom Hine, whose passion and leadership has played a huge part in the restaurant’s ongoing success and development.

Tom will continue to work with Michael Caines as group executive chef.

Michael Caines said: “Tom will continue to oversee and support the development of the food menu at Kentisbury Grange, working alongside myself and supporting James. Within his new role, Tom will also head up the team at Lympstone Manor as we open in spring next year.”

>>> Read more of the latest news here

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The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 14th December 2016

Michael Caines MBE appoints James Mason as head chef of The Coach House at Kentisbury Grange