From his beginnings as an apprentice pastry chef in France to his move to England in the sixties with no knowledge of the language, Michel has consistently raised the bar on standards of cooking and innovation over the years. His restaurants include Le Gavroche in Lower Sloane Street, London, and the charming Waterside Inn, a 16th century village in Bray, Berkshire, set alongside the Thames. The inn was awarded Restaurant of the Year by Egon Ronay in 1981, received three Michelin stars by 1985, (which it has retained) and a third Egon Ronay Star in 1989.

Michel has published a number of books including his autobiography ‘Life is a Menu’, in 2000. His long career and the invaluable contribution he has made to the food industry have resulted in numerous awards. In 2002 Michel received an OBE and in 2004, the French Government awarded him the Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur.