Michael Caines MBE

"There’s a great saying in life that says charity starts at home, for us home is Exeter & Devon”, so being involved with The Exeter Chiefs Foundation is a great honour and one that benefits the local area through charitable activities. Exeter Chiefs' success and impact on Exeter and the wider community of Devon has been massive and it’s our aim to ensure that this success is felt by those that need our help the most, our local charities.” Michael Caines

Michael Caines MBE, chef owner of Lympstone Manor, is known as one of Britain’s most celebrated and acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs. Having grown up in the south west 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 21 years at Gidleigh Park, in April 2017 Michael struck out on his own, opening Lympstone Manor – the luxury 27-bedroom country house hotel in a grade-II Georgian mansion sits on the banks of the Exe Estuary in East Devon, and is Michael's flagship hotel, forming part of the Michael Caines Collection. The property boasts 21 rooms and suites, six shepherd huts, a Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant, an outdoor heated pool and pool house restaurant. Lympstone Manor also features an 11- acre vineyard approximately 17,500 vines producing multi-award-winning English wine.

The main Lympstone Manor restaurant achieved its first Michelin star within six months of opening, which have been retained since 2020. Following the inaugural Michelin Hotel Awards ceremony in October 2024, Lympstone Manor was awarded Two Keys in the newly launched awards. Lympstone Manor is also the home to motoring festival – The Celebration of Speed - an annual event commemorating Michael’s love of all things motoring.

Michael has also recently been announced as the culinary strategist for The Stafford London, further elevating their culinary experiences. Tucked away in historic St James’s, The Stafford London has been a haven of curated luxury since 1912. Steeped in history and character, from the 400-year old working wine cellars with underground corridors to St James’s Palace, combining historic charm with modern elegance.

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 including Farms for City Children, Down Syndrome International, Hospitality Action, RNL, and the Exeter Chiefs Foundation, of course.

As chairman of the South West Chef of the Year, Michael’s passionate about championing the local region and home-grown talent including the creation of the Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College – of which he is alumnus.

Michael is a familiar face on television, appearing regularly on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, Great British Menu and MasterChef and has authored a cookbook, Michael Caines at Home. He is an AA Chef’s Chef of the Year and has cooked at 10 Downing Street. Michael was also the co-founder and director of UK hotel chain, ABode Hotels up until 2014.