General Manager and Co-Owner

Michael McGrath was born in South London, but emigrated to New Zealand at the age of fourteen with his parents. Trained as an actor, Michael had a successful career in film, television, theatre and radio - as well as teaching part time at The Central School of Speech and Drama in North London for six years. He directed theatre in England and New Zealand, and created a niche market for himself directing English speaking theatre in Berlin as well as facilitating workshops for young writers at The Royal Court.

Michael’s involvement with restaurants began as a waiter in Sydney in 1978, and since then he has worked as a head waiter and manager, developing specific staff training programmes for several restaurants including The First Floor on Portobello Road and Green Street private members club in Mayfair. He continues to work in this capacity at The Providores working alongside Sophie and Tracy in this role as well as co-managing and organizing many outside functions and events for Providores Out, our catering arm. Michael also acts as consultant to changa and müzedechanga restaurants in Istanbul, and helped Peter set up dine by Peter Gordon and Bellota restaurants in New Zealand. He has helped edit Peter’s various cookbooks and has collaborated on numerous articles related to food and travel that have appeared in a variety of publications. He also edits the restaurant’s Wine of the Month programme.

Michael is a shareholder in the lauded Waitaki Braids vineyard in New Zealand with Peter, winemaker Michelle Richardson and Steven Cozens. .