Michelin Chef Reveals Star-Winning Strategy
Michael Caines' new restaurant at The Stafford earned a Michelin star just 4-5 months after opening in September 2025. In a revealing podcast interview, Caines explains that rural Michelin restaurants need hotel support to survive while city venues thrive on foot traffic alone. He's releasing "All You Can Eat: The Search for a New British Menu" on March 19.
This new venture marks Michael Caines' first restaurant in London, a significant move for a chef who has built a celebrated career primarily in Devon. His previous flagship, Lympstone Manor, earned a Michelin star within six months of opening, showcasing his ability to quickly achieve excellence. The restaurant at The Stafford replaces the former Game Bird, bringing Caines' signature modern European cuisine to the historic hotel. Caines' culinary philosophy is deeply rooted in the French concept of "terroir," emphasizing a sense of place and the quality of local, seasonal ingredients. This approach means his menus are built around produce from the British Isles, celebrating the rhythm of the seasons. Reviews of his London establishment note this focus on letting superlative ingredients shine with precise, confident classical cooking. The Stafford itself has a rich history, with its main building constructed in the 17th century as private residences before becoming a hotel in 1912. Its wine cellars are even older and served as a bomb shelter during World War II for American and Canadian officers. Caines' restaurant aims to respect this heritage by including some of The Stafford's classic dishes, like the Beef Wellington, on the menu. The tasting menu at the new restaurant is priced at £165, with à la carte main courses ranging from £46 to £55. The kitchen is run by Head Chef Simon Ulph, who previously worked with Caines at Lympstone Manor. Early reviews praise the high standard of cooking, attentive service, and the calm ambiance of the dining room.
