Chef Michael Caines announced as president of Devon County Show

Michael Caines MBE is one of the best-known chefs in East Devon, and the UK, for his restaurant and hotel at Lympstone Manor, and Mickeys on Exmouth Esplanade.

He is also patron and fundraiser for national and local charities. Michael is a devoted advocate of farming and food in Devon - a passion that will be reflected in all his plans as President for this year’s show. 

The Devon County show 2024 takes place at Westpoint Exeter on May 16, 17 and 18.

Commenting on his new role, Michael said: “Food and farming are of course at the very heart of the Devon County Show. The two are inextricably linked - as there can be no food future without farming.

"Farmers are the caretakers of the land and providers of our regional larder. Chefs are story tellers, as are our suppliers and they connect this unique tapestry of our woven landscape to the very communities that live, work and thrive within this wonderful county of Devon.

"To my mind, Devon has the finest larder in the UK and Devon County Show 2024 will certainly showcase this.  I am delighted to be able to introduce some of the most talented chefs from Devon - winners of “South West Chef of the Year” supported by Students from Michael Caines Academy at Exeter College, who will be performing cooking demonstrations throughout the duration of the show.  Championing my vision, they will demonstrate alongside suppliers and connect the audience to our regional larder and celebrate its provenance.  

"I have been working behind the scenes at the show for some time now and have and met so many of the extraordinary people charged with running this annual event.  What strikes me is that whatever, their role, from mowing the grass, to running the livestock section, to directing traffic into the car parks, is their Passion in all they do. I want to find ways to spotlight and celebrate each and every one of them.

"We have much to celebrate, and we choose to do so every year at the Devon County Show.”