MICHAEL CAINES MBE

Michael was born in Exeter in 1969 and adopted into a large and loving family. He helped his mother in the kitchen, who encouraged his passion for food, and his father in the garden, who nurtured an appreciation of the flavours of the freshest food – an ethos Michael still advocates in his kitchens today.

After leaving catering college, as the ‘Student of the Year’ in 1987, Michael spent time in kitchens of Grosvenor House Hotel, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Saulieu and Joël Robuchon, Paris. Michael returned to Britain in 1994 to take up the position of Head Chef at Gidleigh Park in Chagford, Devon. Only two months into the job he suffered a terrible car accident, in which he lost his right arm. His own unwavering belief allowed him to return to the kitchens of Gidleigh Park in just two weeks, more determined than ever to pursue his dream of reaching the top of his profession. Today, Michael is an Operational Partner and Director of ABode Hotels and Michael Caines Restaurants. He continues to work as Executive Chef at Gidleigh Park, which now holds two Michelin stars. Here, he has earned his reputation – serving distinctive modern European cuisine utilising the finest local and regional produce and ingredients.