Chef, TV Personality and Author
Originally from Middlesbrough, Michael was raised in Redcar, North Yorkshire. He studied classical and modern ballet between the ages of 11 and 18, then embarked on a degree in aeronautical engineering at Kingston University in London before a change of heart struck, and he eventually decided to pursue a career as a chef.
His contemporary and innovative food first caught the British public’s attention when he was at The Blind Swine in York. He particularly credits chef Kenny Atkinson for recommending him to the production team on the BBC’s Great British Menu.
Michael has become well known for his individual personal style. He became instantly recognisable with his ‘rockstar hair’ after his appearance on The Great British Menu
Michael O’Hare burst onto The North’s culinary scene in 2014 with The Man Behind The Curtain, a self-consciously trendy Leeds restaurant that takes its name from a Wizard of Oz quote and serves up artful plates of food with Spanish and Asian influences.
As restaurant names go, The Man Behind The Curtain is one of the most avant-garde. Perhaps we shouldn’t expect anything less from chef Michael O’Hare though, who has built his career on playing with the expectations and perceptions of diners who walk through the door.
Despite the restaurant’s name inspired by the classic film, you won’t find any corny tributes to the yellow brick road.
“The Man Behind The Curtain is more than a restaurant for me. It is where I am able to express myself with flavour and aesthetics. The cuisine is my couture, bold in flavour with inspiration from around the world. Brutalist in design, yet fun.”
In 2016, Michael became Creative Director of GG Hospitality, a company created by ex-professional footballers Ryan Giggs and Gary company, along with O’Hare, they opened a ‘space-age Asian’ restaurant called The Rabbit in the Moon at the National Football Museum in Manchester on 3 January 2017.
Next was a complete refurb of his restaurant and Psycho Soundbar was announced in early 2024. Gone is the lounge area, to make way for extra tables and a set of DJ decks. And a menu that suggests this is definitely a Michael O’Hare creation.
Television
• The Great British Menu – 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023
• Saturday Kitchen – 2015
• Masterchef – 2016
• Yes Chef – 2016
• Cooking With The Stars – 2024
• Instagram:@ohare.michael @bymichaelohare
Restaurant address: 68-78 Vicar Ln Leeds, LS1 7JH England
