Gidleigh Park's Michael Caines looks towards London

Michael Caines has already partnered with a Devon restaurant and a Shropshire hotel, and is now eyeing up London. “London is very much on my radar,” he told the Caterer. “I came very close to agreeing a proposition at a prestigious hotel in London, but it didn’t happen. However, I am now in talks with another hotel. It is important that it is the right property.” The two Michelin starred chef, of Gidleigh Park in Devon, has been developing his consultancy business since resigning as food and beverage director of Brownsword hotels, of which Gidleigh Park is part, in July. He continues in his role as executive chef at the hotel, as well as consultant on his restaurants with the group's Abode Hotels, but has now been exploring other opportunities. He signed the agreement to oversee food and beverage operations at the Kentisbury Grange hotel near Barnstable in Devon a few months ago. The hotel’s restaurant has been renamed the Coach House by Michael Caines, and he is currently recruiting staff for the Grade II-listed Victorian manor house on the edge of Exmoor National Park. “I am hugely excited about this new partnership,” said Michael. “Kentisbury Grange already offers a wonderful hospitality experience, with its stunning location in such a beautiful part of Devon.” He has also designed the kitchen, created the menu and helped with the online reservation systems for the Townhouse, a restaurant in Oswestry, set to open December 4. The restaurant is a Georgian property and mixes traditional and modern styling. “Although I will not personally be in the kitchen at The Townhouse on a regular basis, I very much look forward to regular visits and to lending my support for key events,” he said.