Raymond Blanc

Although Raymond Blanc was born in France, he has been working in Britain since 1972. In 1977 at the age of 28, Raymond opened his first restaurant ‘Les Quat’ Saisons’ in Summerton, Oxford. After just 1 year, the restaurant was named Egon Ronay Restaurant of the Year and a host of other accolades including Michelin stars and Pestle & Mortar awards followed.

In 1984, Raymond fulfilled his personal ambition when he opened Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons – a hotel and restaurant in Great Milton, Oxford. Le Manoir is the only country house hotel in the UK which has achieved 2 Michelin stars for a total of 22 years. Raymond also owns the chain of Le Petit Blanc restaurants around Britain, and the Raymond Blanc Cookery School at Les Manoir aux Quat’ Saisions. Raymond has been a champion of the organic movement in cookery for the last 20 years.