After leaving university, Michael gained kitchen experience in various restaurants including working under John Burton‑Race at The Landmark in London and spending time at renowned venues such as Noma in Copenhagen.
In 2014, he opened his restaurant The Man Behind The Curtain in Leeds.
The restaurant gained a reputation for bold, artistic cuisine and unusual presentation. In late 2023 it was announced that The Man Behind The Curtain would close to make way for a new concept, and that Michael was moving into a new restaurant called Psycho Sandbar in 2024.
He is known for combining art-inspired plating, theatrical presentation and a fusion of influences (including Asian and Spanish technique) in his cuisine.
He first appeared in the chef series in 2015, competing in the North East region heat. In that 2015 series (Series 10), he delivered the fish-course dish titled “Emancipation”, which went on to win the fish course in
A post on social media read: "I am super excited to launch my new restaurant INLAMENTATION. I’ve had so many emails and messages about bookings that I thought it would be fun to do a 48hr PRERELEASE. I’ve opened up the first few months of bookings from now until Friday. Giving people chance to claim the first tables.
"The diary will close on Friday at 5pm for 2 weeks while I allocate tables to holders of gift vouchers from my previous restaurant and offer to guests from The Man Behind The Curtain. I am only cooking for 16 people per night so spaces are super limited. Thank you dear guests and friends for your unwavering support.
"This is going to be special, Michael x"
The man behind the curtain
Known for his avant-garde approach and theatrical presentation, he made his name with The Man Behind The Curtain, which launched in 2014 and went on to earn a Michelin star.
The restaurant became a fixture of modern British fine dining before closing its doors in 2023, when Michael replaced it with the more casual, seafood-led Psycho Sandbar.
written by abi kinsella
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