CELEBRITY chef Michael Caines says Chester’s new Abode hotel and restaurant is a New York-style concept – and not a lot of people know that.
Michael, whose name is not dissimilar to the English movie legend, is a partner in the business and passionate about the project in the HQ building which launches in April.
“This is very much influenced by New York high-rise restaurant living,” said Michael, who nevertheless insists the experience will be accessible to all pockets.
Michael, 41, lost his right arm in a car accident in 1994 but was back in the kitchen within two weeks and exudes joie de vivre.
“Everything you do in life, you have got to be positive and enthusiastic about,” says the cook-cum-entrepreneur who learned his culinary skills under Raymond Blanc.
The fifth floor Michael Caines’ fine dining restaurant and Champagne bar is the show-piece of the scheme, promising grown-up sophistication, and not forgetting those views of the Welsh hills from the outdoor terrace.
Rooms in the 85-bed hotel span the price range, right up to the £280-plus per night Fabulous suites with hand-made beds and over-sized baths.
The ground floor features a café and grill fronting the central piazza with outdoor seating while a lounge bar facing the courts aims to be ‘young and funky’.
Couples will be able to get married and hold their reception here. Race days will bring a Champagne tent on the grassy verge and jazz in the piazza. An ale festival is on the cards.
Not surprisingly Michael welcomes the imminent arrival of 550 council staff to adjacent offices and just hopes they will want to dine with him, enticed by a 10% discount.
He says putting his name on the fine dining restaurant guarantees high standards under Gordon Ramsay-schooled executive chef Stuart Collins even though he won’t be cooking the food himself. And he jokes that at least the food isn’t being prepared by his near name-sake Michael Caine the actor.
“God help us if he did!”, quipped Michael, who has retained two Michelin stars over 11 years at Gidleigh Park restaurant in Devon where he made his name as head chef.
Abode Chester is the fifth in the chain in which Michael is a partner along with greetings card magnate Andrew Brownsword.
