Michael Caines MBE

Michael Caines MBE, chef patron of Lympstone Manor, is known as one of Britain’s most celebrated and acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs. Having grown up in the Southwest of England, Michael has earned a global reputation for his distinctive modern cuisine, which champions the finest local produce and suppliers, combined with influences from his global travels.

After attending a local Catering College in Exeter Michael’s talent was evident and this was followed by three years at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons with Raymond Blanc. He then furthered his experience by travelling to France to study under Bernard Loiseau and Joël Robuchon.

In 1994 Michael returned to the UK to take up the position of head chef at Gidleigh Park in his home county of Devon. Two months into the role, Michael suffered a terrible car accident in which he lost his right arm. Remarkably, he was back in the kitchen part-time within two weeks, and full-time after just four. Shortly afterwards, Michael achieved two Michelin stars at Gidleigh Park. Both of which he retained for 18 years and earned within just four.

After 21 years at Gidleigh Park, in April 2017 Michael struck out on his own, opening Lympstone Manor – the luxury 21-bedroom country house hotel in Grade II Georgian mansion.

The main Lympstone Manor restaurant achieved its first Michelin star within six months of opening and continues to hold 5 AA Rosettes, which have been retained for four years since 2020.

Keen to keep Lympstone Manor fresh, Michael planted a vineyard on site in 2018, overlooking the Exe estuary, featuring approximately 17,500 vines. in 2022 Michael and the team launched the vineyard’s very first wine, 2020 Triassic Pinot Noir.

In 2023, the vineyard released a 2020 Classic Cuvée alongside a still Rosé Wine, named “Isabeau” after Michael’s daughter. More styles and exciting news from the Lympstone Manor Estate will continue into the years ahead.

Lympstone Manor is also the home to a motoring festival – The Celebration of Speed – an annual event commemorating Michael’s love of all things motoring.

In 2006 Michael was awarded an MBE for contributions and services to the hospitality industry and made a Freeman of the City of Exeter for his work impassioning the hospitality industry in the local area. In 2018 he was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Devon, an honorary role that allows Michael to continue to champion his own home county as well as to contribute further to the local communities and charities that he supports. Michael supports numerous charities.

As Chairman of the South West Chef of the Year and founder of the annual Exeter Food and Drink Festival, Michael is passionate about championing the local region and home-grown talent of which he has created the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College – of which he is an alumnus.

Michael is an AA Chef’s Chef of the Year and has cooked at 10 Downing Street. Michael was also the co-founder of UK hotel chain, aBode and the UK & Ireland Delegate of the luxury hotel group, Relais & Chateaux, of which Lympstone Manor is a proud member.

Accolades & Awards:
3 x Michelin Star
5 AA Rosettes
MBE and Deputy Lieutenant of Devon
Craft Guild of Chefs Special Award

TV Appearances:
Cooking With The Stars

Book:
Michael Caines At Home

VIDEO

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