If you can’t stand the heat…

There’s definitely something about chefs. It’s quite hard to put your finger on what exactly it is, but there’s an indefinable quality about these larger-than-life personalities who produce food to die for, that makes them fascinating interviewees.

Michael Caines: Lympstone Manor

“I’ll not be happy!” said one old lady, so everyone on the bus could hear, “if he ruins that place, Courtlands House. Lovely it is!”
Her companion nodded in agreement.
“In fact, if he does, I’ll never watch his films ever again! He should stick to acting, blooming Michael Caine!”
I overheard this conversation, between a pair of endearingly-confused locals, just over a year ago. Today I find myself in the lush surroundings of Lympstone Manor (formerly Courtlands House), East Devon’s newest luxury hotel, talking to the man behind it all.