MICHAEL CAINES MBE

The Staff Canteen

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.

In these challenging times…

The Staff Canteen team are taking a different approach to keeping our website independent and delivering content free from commercial influence. Our Editorial team have a critical role to play in informing and supporting our audience in a balanced way. We would never put up a paywall  – The Staff Canteen is open to all and we want to keep bringing you the content you want; more from younger chefs, more on mental health, more tips and industry knowledge, more recipes and more videos. We need your support right now, more than ever, to keep The Staff Canteen active. Without your financial contributions this would not be possible.

Over the last 16 years, The Staff Canteen has built what has become the go-to platform for chefs and hospitality professionals. As members and visitors, your daily support has made The Staff Canteen what it is today. Our features and videos from the world’s biggest name chefs are something we are proud of. We have over 560,000 followers across Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and other social channels, each connecting with chefs across the world. Our editorial and social media team are creating and delivering engaging content every day, to support you and the whole sector - we want to do more for you.

A single coffee is more than £2, a beer is £4.50 and a large glass of wine can be £6 or more.

Support The Staff Canteen from as little as £1 today. Thank you.

The Staff Canteen

The Staff Canteen

Editor 2nd January 2013

MICHAEL CAINES MBE