London, July 2025 – The Stafford London is delighted to unveil key additions to its food and beverage team as it prepares for the launch of its highly anticipated new restaurant this September, in collaboration with renowned Michelin-starred chef Michael Caines MBE. This new venture will bring Michael’s signature modern British cuisine – rooted in seasonality, elegant craftsmanship and technical precision – to the heart of St James’s.
Central to this new culinary journey is the appointment of Simon Ulph as Executive Head Chef. Simon recently joined Lympstone Manor, Michael Caines’ flagship country house hotel and restaurant in Devon, and has now been selected to lead the kitchen team at The Stafford London’s new restaurant. With an impressive background and a passion for refined, produce-led cooking, Simon brings both afresh perspective and technical excellence to the role.
Working in close collaboration with Michael Caines, Simon will be responsible for executing Michael’s culinary vision and repertoire in London, developing menus that champion British seasonal ingredients and sustainability, and delivering the exceptional dining standards for which both Michael and The Stafford London are known.
The front of house will continue to be led by Luca Gaeta, the respected Restaurant Manager of The Game Bird, who brings over 15 years of experience at The Stafford London. Luca’s in depth understanding of the hotel’s ethos and commitment to impeccable service makes him an invaluable asset as the new restaurant comes to life.
As part of The Stafford London’s ongoing collaboration with Chef Michael Caines, Luca and key members of the hotel’s culinary team recently spent time with the esteemed team at Lympstone Manor. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of Michael’s distinctive culinary philosophy and to experience first-hand how his vision is brought to life through the passion, precision, and exceptional service standards upheld by the front-of-house team.
Throughout their time at Lympstone Manor, Head Chef Jordan Denning, Pastry Chef Maria Mrazova, and food and beverage Manager; Daniele Lanciano shared their expertise and insight across their respective disciplines. This exchange of knowledge ensures that The Stafford London’s team can faithfully interpret and deliver Michael’s vision in London, bringing the same commitment to excellence, creativity, and flair that defines his work in Devon.
This collaboration reinforces The Stafford London’s dedication to offering an outstanding dining experience, rooted in the very best of British hospitality and contemporary fine dining. “We are thrilled to welcome Simon to the team and to have him lead this exciting new chapter at The Stafford London,” said 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.”
The launch of the new restaurant not only marks a bold evolution in The Stafford London’s culinary story but also reinforces the hotel’s ongoing commitment to developing and supporting the next generation of hospitality talent. The Stafford London remains passionate about fostering creativity, excellence, and opportunity in both kitchen and service.
About The Stafford London:
Tucked away in historic St James’s, The Stafford London has been a haven of curated luxury since 1912. Combining historic charm with modern elegance, the hotel features 106 uniquely designed bedrooms and suites across the Main House, the all-suite modern Mews building, and the historic Carriage House. Dining options at The Stafford include four elegant private dining rooms, unique 400-year-old Wine Cellar, The Game Bird restaurant with a la carte options and award-winning afternoon tea, and The American Bar, famed for its eclectic décor and cocktails.
The Stafford London is steeped in history and character, from the 400-year-old working Wine Cellars with underground corridors to St James’s Palace, to the beautiful, restored, country-chic Carriage House rooms and suites, once serving as stables to 18th century nobility. Over the hotel’s long and storied history, it has hosted a collection of colourful characters from Nancy Wake, a former spy and rebellious heroine of the French Resistance, to the Queen Mother herself. The Stafford London is a residence like no other, welcoming guests looking for a luxurious London experience that is truly original.
Most recently, The Stafford London received a 4-star rating in the 2025 and 2024 Forbes Travel Guide Star Award and The Game Bird earned a Wine Spectator’s 2025 Best of Award of Excellence. The Stafford London has also been recognised in the Conde Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, as one of the top 25 hotels in London, and in the 2024 Afternoon Tea Awards where they gained an ‘Award of Excellence’.
Website: https://thestaffordlondon.com/
About the Stafford Collection:
The Stafford Collection is an independently owned portfolio of luxury properties in the UK, each offering exceptional hospitality and unparalleled experiences. The portfolio includes The Stafford London, one of the finest luxury hotels in the capital; Lympstone Manor, a luxury country house hotel for the 21st Century, on the foreshore of the tranquil Exe Estuary; and Norma, a contemporary and vibrant restaurant which is inspired by the food and culture of Sicily.
Website: https://staffordcollection.com/