From Rick Stein to Michael Caines

Celebrity chef Michael Caines, who for many years boasted the best restaurant in Manchester, has bought the former Rick Stein Restaurant in Porthleven, Cornwall.

The chef restaurateur, a previous holder of two Michelin stars for 18 consecutive years, also owns Lympstone Manor in Devon - which was awardedits first Michelin Star in 2019, after only six months in operation.

Caines famously won his first Michelin Star as Head Chef at Gidleigh Park in 1994, shortly before losing his full right arm in a car accident soon afterwards. He returned to work almost immediately and the restaurant picked up its second star in 1999. He left in 2016 and was replaced by fellow celebrity chef Michael Wignall, who retained the stars before  also leaving in 2018. Gidleigh Park lost its Michelin status for the first time since 2011 in this year's awards.

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On opening Michael Caines at the ABode in Manchester in 2008, the restaurant soon became the best in town and retained its Pride Of Manchester Award-winning "Best Restaurant in Manchester" title every year until 2013, with talented "Great British Menu" Chef Ian Matfin heading up the kitchen. 

After 17 years together, Caines parted ways with the hotel group - which is owned by "Forever Friends" greeting cards entrepreneur Andrew Brownsword - and in 2016 the restaurant was rebranded as ABode Brasserie, receiving a plush makeover and - prior to Lockdown restrictions, at least - serving up a more casual dining approach with live music from big name acts.

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