MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford brings the celebrated chef’s modern European cuisine to St James’s, blending heritage with culinary excellence.
In September 2025, one of Britain’s most celebrated chefs, Michael Caines MBE, will bring his award-winning cuisine to the capital with the opening of MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford. This marks the chef’s long-anticipated London debut within the prestigious surroundings of The Stafford London, a hotel long associated with elegance, heritage and exceptional hospitality.
The new restaurant signals more than the arrival of a renowned chef in the city. It brings together The Stafford’s rich history and Caines’ modern culinary approach to create a destination that reflects contemporary London dining while respecting tradition.
The Evolution of The Game Bird
The space, once known as The Game Bird, has been reshaped under Caines’ direction. His signature philosophy of terroir cuisine, built around provenance and seasonality, is central to the menus. For him, food is inseparable from place, and each dish is designed to highlight the best of British produce.
The menu retains Stafford classics such as the Beef Wellington and Brixham Dover Sole, while introducing Caines’ own celebrated creations, including Warm Lobster Salad with cardamom vinaigrette and Pan-Roasted Brixham Turbot with shellfish chowder.
As The Stafford’s Managing Director, John McLean, puts it:
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Michael Caines on his first London restaurant. MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford represents a natural evolution for our hotel, bringing together our rich heritage with Michael’s culinary excellence and vision. This collaboration reflects our continued commitment to offering unforgettable experiences for our guests, and we look forward to welcoming guests to enjoy something truly special in the heart of St James’s.”
A Celebration of British Produce
Caines’ reputation rests on his ability to elevate ingredients with precision and respect. At MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford, the menus are designed to highlight the diversity of British farming and fishing, with sustainability at the core. Regional suppliers play a key role in shaping each season’s offerings, from seafood landed on the Devon coast to game and vegetables from across the countryside.
Both an à la carte and a tasting menu will be offered, with the latter providing guests with a curated journey through Caines’ cooking.
Michael Caines’ Vision
For Caines, this opening is both professional and personal. With more than 30 years at the forefront of British gastronomy, he has long been celebrated for his work at Lympstone Manor in Devon. London, however, remained unexplored territory until now.
Speaking on the launch, he said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing my cuisine to The Stafford, an iconic London destination that shares my passion for excellence and warm hospitality. This new restaurant is a celebration of British seasonal produce, and I can’t wait to share our vision with guests in the heart of St James’s. Together with my Executive Head Chef Simon Ulph and the talented team at The Stafford London, we have been shaping the dining experience together over the past few months in readiness to welcome our guests this September.”
Collaboration lies at the centre of this project. Alongside Executive Head Chef Simon Ulph and The Stafford’s team, the restaurant reflects a shared standard of excellence that both Caines and the hotel are known for.
Heritage Meets Modernity
Since 1912, The Stafford London has been a discreet yet distinguished landmark, welcoming everyone from wartime heroes to members of the Royal Family. Its history is inseparable from its identity, and Caines has ensured the new restaurant honours that legacy.
MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford is not just another addition to London’s dining scene. It is a continuation of The Stafford’s tradition of offering experiences that combine heritage with modern luxury.
From City to Coast
To mark the opening, The Stafford has created the City to Coast package in partnership with Lympstone Manor. Guests can enjoy Caines’ cuisine first in London, then in Devon, experiencing two distinct but complementary settings.
The package celebrates both sides of Caines’ culinary world, the vibrancy of St James’s and the tranquillity of the coast.
The Stafford Collection
The launch also adds to the strength of the Stafford Collection, which includes The Stafford London, Lympstone Manor and Norma, a Sicilian-inspired restaurant in Fitzrovia. Each property reflects individuality while sharing a commitment to quality and authenticity.
Michael Caines: A Legacy of Excellence
Few chefs in the UK have matched Caines’ achievements. Holding two Michelin stars for 18 consecutive years and recognised with an MBE for his contribution to hospitality, his career has been defined by consistency at the highest level.
At Lympstone Manor, he created a benchmark for the country house hotel, while his wider influence extends through his leadership within Relais & Châteaux. The opening of MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford is a natural progression in that journey, cementing his place as one of Britain’s most influential chefs.
Practical Information
Opening date: 17 September 2025
Bookings: From 11 August
- Breakfast: From 7 am Monday to Saturday, from 7.30 am Sunday
- À la Carte Menu: Lunch and dinner, Monday to Sunday
- Tasting Menu: Lunch Monday to Saturday, dinner Monday to Sunday
Reservations:
- Website: thestaffordlondon.com
- Email: dining@thestaffordlondon.com
- Phone: +44 (0)207 518 1234
Conclusion
The opening of MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford is a defining moment for both chef and hotel. For London diners, it promises not only exceptional food but an experience rooted in tradition and shaped by vision.
As Caines notes, the project is about more than food. It is about hospitality, heritage and creating lasting memories. With this launch, The Stafford London reaffirms its place as one of the city’s great hotels, and Michael Caines begins a new chapter in a career that continues to influence British gastronomy.
