Michael ‘Mikey” Collins recently re-joined the French-style restaurant to work alongside the owner and maitre d’, flamboyant Frenchman, Vincent Gerbeau. He had previously fulfilled a short-term role as senior sous chef at the Retro before leaving to get married.
Michael’s background includes over two years maintaining Michelin star standard food at Gordon Ramsey at Claridges, but “When the opportunity to return to the Retro as Head Chef came up I jumped at it!” says Mikey. “The family-run, fun aspect of the Retro really appeals to me. I believe a successful kitchen is a happy one and we’ve certainly got that here.”
Mikey was inspired to train in the restaurant trade after working as a kitchen porter as the age of only 15. He worked his way up through various roles, taking on key responsibilities such as menu planning, team management and of course cooking.
One of South West London’s premier restaurants, the popular Retro Bistrot serves French-style food in relaxed and stylish surroundings. Winner of the Good Food Guide London Restaurant of the Year 2012, and proud owner of two AA Red Rosettes and a Michelin Two Forks, the Retro manages to deliver a sense of luxury in both food and ambiance at very affordable prices. They also recently won Highly Commended Awards in the local Time & Leisure Food and Drinks Awards for both Best Service and Overall Restaurant of the Year 2013.
114-116 High Street, Teddington, TW11 8JB
For more information click here