Introduction
Michael Andrew Caines MBE (born 3 January 1969) is an English chef born in Exeter, Devon.
He was head chef of Gidleigh Park in Devon until January 2016.
Biography
Born in Exeter in 1969, he was adopted by Mary and Peter Caines
He became the Head Chef at Gidleigh Park in 1994 but he lost his full right arm in a car accident soon afterwards. In 1999, Gidleigh Park was awarded a second Michelin Star, and in 2001 Caines won Chef of the Year at The Catey Awards.
Michael Caines Restaurants Ltd was founded in 1999 and the Michael Caines Restaurant opened at the Bristol Marriott Royal in July 2003. However, meeting with Andrew Brownsword in early 2000 resulted in a partnership and the purchase of the Royal Clarence Hotel, Exeter in October 2000. Together they have developed the Abode hotel concept.
Currently there are 6 hotels in the Abode group: Exeter, Canterbury, Glasgow, Manchester, Chester, and Salisbury. Caines is also executive chef for Bath Priory Limited, which own both Bath Priory Hotel and Gidleigh Park Hotel. Within Abode Hotels, exists Michael Caines Restaurants, as well as Michael Caines Taverns, Bars & Grills. Caines' role within the Abode franchise (apart from co-founder) is Director of Food & Beverage.
Caines and John Burton Race represented the Southwest of England in the BBC television series Great British Menu in 2006. Caines beat the Dartmouth based chef to go on to the final round.
Caines was created a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) on 17 June 2006.
Caines became involved in catering for the Williams Formula 1 team in 2013, and was seen regularly in Williams attire in the paddock.
Personal life
Caines lives near Exeter in mid-Devon with his partner and their daughter. He also has a son and daughter from his previous relationship.
As an adopted child he supports a number of local agencies and amputee initiatives and charities. He is a Patron of 'Families for Children Trust', a voluntary adoption agency covering Cornwall, Devon and Dorset.