The Bath Priory reopens with Michael Caines as Executive Chef
Following a six-week refurbishment, the acclaimed Bath Priory has reopened, with the Restaurant now under the guidance of Michael Caines MBE, Executive Chef. The Bath Priory is owned by Andrew and Christina Brownsword, and is a luxury sister establishment to Gidleigh Park, where Michael has been Executive Chef for the past 15 years.
The Bath Priory restaurant currently holds one Michelin star, while Gidleigh Park holds two of the coveted accolades. Head Chef at the Bath Priory will be James Sheridan, who previously worked as Sous Chef alongside Michael at Gidleigh Park. So James is fully versed with Michael’s innovative style of modern European cuisine, and will also be bringing his own creativity and ideas to his role. Also part of the new brigade are sous chef Sam Moody and junior sous chef James Nathan. The team will be working closely with both the restaurant and front of house teams to ensure guests have the best possible experience.
Michael’s aim is to create a synergy between the experiences at The Bath Priory and at Gidleigh Park while at the same time keeping the individuality of each house, as expressed through the style of the cooking.
"Gidleigh Park is a country house hotel and The Bath Priory is a town house hotel so they are both very different. But, at the same time, they should be able to deliver the same quality and aspirations for the guests," says Michael.
"We'll bring an element of my signature dishes to Bath but I have a big enough repertoire and depth after 15 years at Gidleigh Park to make them different.
"There will be two tasting menus – a classic one of my signature dishes and one that evolves each week – plus an à la carte of five starters, five main courses and five desserts. We'll also have weekly changing lunch and pre-theatre menus.
"Sixty per cent will be my dishes and the rest will be dishes from the new head chef, James Sheridan and his team, because creativity and individuality in the kitchen is important."
There will also be a ‘grazing menu’ that will consist of smaller versions of his à la carte dishes, a concept that he has already brought into his signature Michael Caines Restaurants in ABode hotels in Manchester, Glasgow and Canterbury (and which will soon launch in ABode Exeter).
Says Sue Williams, The Bath Priory General Manager, “The new kitchen is symbolic of a new start for The Bath Priory, it is the beating heart of the property and the team are so enjoying having all the new equipment to work with. The greatest opportunity is having Michael join us as Executive Chef here at The Priory. He has such energy and passion that it is inevitably passing along to everyone in the team. After the refurbishment, the house is looking wonderful and there is a real sense of great times ahead for The Bath Priory.”
To celebrate the reopening, The Bath Priory is running a Special Lunch Offer available until the end of June 2009, with two courses for £19.95, or three courses for £25 (valid Monday - Friday, excluding Bank Holidays). Please call 01225 331922 to make a booking.
The Bath Priory Hotel, Restaurant & Spa
Weston Road
Bath BA1 2XT
01225 331922
www.thebathpriory.co.uk
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