Chris Cleghorn, Executive Chef, Michael Caines at ABode Chester
A big welcome to Chris Cleghorn (formerly of ABode Exeter, Gidleigh Park and Fat Duck) who is taking up the position of Executive Chef at Michael Caines at ABode Chester from 9th January 2012.
Chris was born in Cardiff and has worked diligently, rising through the ranks at a number of highly acclaimed restaurants throughout the UK. A spell at the 1-star Michelin Crown at Whitebrook gave him his first taste of real fine dining and the hunger to learn more. This eventually brought him to the Michael Caines Restaurant at ABode Exeter where he worked as Sous Chef before moving on to Gidleigh Park itself to learn directly from Michael and the talented Gidleigh team. This formative period at Gidleigh Park lasted more than two years and was hugely influential in the development of Chris's career and style of cooking. From Gidleigh Park, Chris gained further experience at the acclaimed Fat Duck as well as at the Adam Simmonds Restaurant in Danesfield House. However, he considers Michael his most prominent mentor.
Says Chris, "Michael taught me how to appreciate food and that by using top quality ingredients sourced freshly and locally dishes do not need to be over-complicated. I'm really excited and proud to be working with Michael once again. I love cooking Michael's style of food and respect the values and principles that he brings both to his cuisine as well as to the business as a whole. Taking on the role of Executive Chef at the Michael Caines Restaurant at ABode Chester is a huge challenge. My aim is to create great food for the people of Chester and our guests at the hotel, to take the Restaurant as far as I can, and, who knows, perhaps to gain that elusive Michelin star."
