LE Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a Belmond hotel set in the heart of the Oxfordshire countryside, promises more than a luxurious escape — it is a celebration of culinary artistry.
With world-renowned chef Raymond Blanc at the helm, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant is set within a honey-hued manor house that exudes charm and elegance. Surrounded by 27 acres of manicured gardens in the idyllic village of Great Milton, it is recognized as one of the UK’s most iconic gastronomic destinations.
Exterior of Le Manoir
Le Manoir also holds the distinction of being home to the UK’s first Michelin-star kitchen with its very own dedicated cookery school — a true testament to its pioneering spirit. This summer, the estate plays host to a series of immersive experiences designed to engage the senses and elevate the appreciation for the art of fine food.
Le Manoir Garden Green House
Among the highlights is Grow, Cook, Eat, a unique fusion of the Raymond Blanc Cookery School and Gardening School. This hands-on course guides guests through the process of cultivating their own produce — from sowing seeds to harvesting vegetables — before turning their bounty into exquisite seasonal dishes under expert guidance. It’s a soulful, sensory journey from soil to plate.
Provence Suite
For true connoisseurs, Four Hands Lunch offers a rare gastronomic affair: an extraordinary collaboration between Raymond Blanc and fellow French maestro, three-Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. This exclusive culinary encounter blends their shared respect for French cuisine with masterful innovation, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Provence Suite
I am staying in my own retreat withina ground-floor suite, Provence, inspired by Raymond Blanc’s travels throughout the South of France. With its secluded garden — perfect for a romantic aperitif — the suite captures rustic elegance at its finest. Exposed wooden beams, floral drapes with lavender accents revealing floor-to-ceiling windows, invite the outdoors in.
An open fireplace adds warmth and intimacy especially during the cooler months, while a large dining table sets the scene for a leisurely in-room breakfast. Double doors lead to the elevated spacious bedroom, complete with marble bathroom with sunken bath, separate shower and a walk-in dressing room. Every detail, from the décor to the atmosphere, whispers romance and French charm.
Raymond Blanc and Yannick Alleno
As evening falls, I wander across the estate to the dining room — home to the only British restaurant to hold two Michelin stars for over 30 consecutive years. Dinner, complimented by supreme service, comprises of a sublime seven-course tasting menu, a culinary revelation: slow, deliberate, and indulgent. It is here, in this extraordinarily lavish setting, that I begin to truly appreciate the pinnacle of culinary excellence.
Raymond Blanc Cookery School
Le Manoir is more than just a destination. It is a place where memories are made, where wishes are granted, and where dreams, really do, come true.
By Amanda Bernstein