A New Culinary Chapter
The Stafford London Welcomes New Talent Ahead of Exciting Restaurant Launch
As anticipation builds for the launch of our brand-new restaurant this September, The Stafford London is proud to announce exciting developments within our food and beverage team, all part of a visionary collaboration with the celebrated Michelin-starred chef, Michael Caines MBE.
This eagerly awaited new dining destination will bring Michael’s modern British cuisine – renowned for its elegance, seasonality, and technical finesse — to the heart of St James’s. And behind the scenes, a team of exceptional talent is coming together to bring this vision to life.
A Shared Vision of Excellence
John McLean, Managing Director of the Stafford Collection, describes the partnership as “an exciting chapter” that highlights a shared dedication to excellence, individuality, and warm hospitality. “Michael and his exceptional team embody everything the Stafford Collection stands for,” he says. “We’re thrilled to welcome Lympstone Manor into the family.”
With this addition, the Stafford Collection now includes The Stafford London, Lympstone Manor, and Norma—our Sicilian-inspired restaurant in Fitzrovia—creating a distinctive trio of properties offering unique experiences across both city and coast.
Meet Our Executive Head Chef: Simon Ulph
Leading the kitchen is Simon Ulph, who joins us from Michael’s acclaimed Lympstone Manor in Devon. Simon brings a wealth of experience and a passion for produce-driven, refined cuisine.
With his impressive culinary background and deep understanding of Michael’s signature style, Simon is perfectly placed to helm the new restaurant’s kitchen, ensuring every dish reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship and flavour.
Simon will be working in close partnership with Michael Caines to develop menus that champion British seasonal ingredients, sustainability, and culinary innovation — all delivered with the precision and creativity that define both of their careers.
A Seamless Front-of-House Experience
On the floor, the experience will be expertly overseen by Luca Gaeta, Restaurant Manager of The Game Bird.
With over 15 years at The Stafford London, Luca brings a deep appreciation for the hotel’s heritage and guest-centred service. His leadership will ensure the same warmth, professionalism, and elegance our guests have come to expect.
Learning from Lympstone Manor
As part of our evolving partnership with Michael Caines, several members of The Stafford’s culinary and front-of-house teams recently visited Lympstone Manor. This immersive experience allowed them to gain deeper insights into Michael’s distinctive culinary philosophy and the high standards of service that define his work.
During the visit, Head Chef Jordan Denning, Pastry Chef Maria Mrazova, and Food & Beverage Manager Daniele Lanciano collaborated closely with the Lympstone team, sharing knowledge, techniques, and ideas. This enriching exchange has strengthened our team’s ability to bring Michael’s vision to life here in London, ensuring an experience rooted in excellence and passion from kitchen to table.
Looking Ahead
This exciting new restaurant not only marks a bold evolution in The Stafford London’s culinary journey but also reaffirms our commitment to nurturing the next generation of hospitality talent. With a blend of seasoned leadership, emerging creativity, and unwavering dedication, we are proud to set the stage for something truly special.
“We are thrilled to welcome Simon to the team and to have him lead this exciting new chapter at The Stafford London,” says John McLean, Managing Director of the Stafford Collection.
“His appointment, alongside the wealth of experience from both our in-house and Lympstone Manor teams, sets the stage for a truly outstanding restaurant opening. We look forward to sharing Michael Caines’ remarkable food and hospitality style with our guests here in London.”