![\"Wedding](\"http:\/\/martinbignell.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/R7C8507.jpg\" "\\"_R7C8507\\"")
<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 1984 saw the opening of Le Manoir aux Quat\u2019Saisons, combining breathtaking surroundings with gastronomic excellence. “I had in mind a small house in the country, but I fell in love with Great Milton Manor, set in 30 acres. With the help of a few friends it was transformed into a magnificent country house hotel.” Raymond aimed to create a place where guests could relax and savour the surroundings. Working with some of the best interior designers in the UK, he transformed the rooms into stylish and unique palaces. The restaurant swiftly earned two Michelin stars, which it has held for a staggering 29 years. Stunning gardens are the envy of botanists worldwide. The Raymond Blanc Cookery School, opened in 1991, attracts a constant stream of budding chefs. Raymond is known globally for his passion for seasonal, organic produce. When sourcing food for his restaurant, he makes sure to know everything about its provenance. Rarely can a chef tell you exactly where the milk in your breakfast came from. With his dedicated gardeners, he has cultivated herb beds in which 70 traditional and exotic varieties thrive. A two-acre vegetable garden produces over 90 types of vegetable. A mushroom garden sprouts around 20 edible species, and an orchard brings in beautiful apples, pears and quinces. He champions an ethical approach to cooking and is devoted to energy efficiency and recycling. Le Manoir is viewed by many in the hotel and restaurant industry as the model to aspire to.<\/p>\n Raymond Blanc was born in a tiny rural village near Besan\u00e7on, eastern France. His two greatest inspirations were the terroir of the Franche-Comt\u00e9 region and his mother, the formidable Maman Blanc. She lovingly created family meals bursting with fresh, local and seasonal flavours. He began his career as a waiter in Oxfordshire. One day, Raymond took over the kitchen when the chef was unwell. The rest, as they say, is history. He and his wife Jenny opened their first restaurant, Les Quat\u2019Saisons, in Oxford in 1977. An overnight success, it won Egon Ronay Restaurant of the Year.<\/p>\n Please feel free to leave a comment bellow, like or share this page using the social media buttons at the bottom of the post, follow me facebook<\/a>, twitter<\/a> or google+<\/a> or email me your feedback. <\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nLe Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons<\/h2>\n
RAYMOND BLANC<\/h2>\n
One of the UK\u2019s most successful chefs, Raymond Blanc\u2019s many successes have culminated in the dreamlike Le Manoir aux Quat\u2019Saisons.<\/h3>\n
EARLY LIFE<\/h4>\n
Address:<\/h4>\nLe Manoir aux Quat’Saisons Church Road Great Milton Oxford OX44 7PD England<\/address>\n\u00a0<\/address>\nTel +44 (0)1844 278 881<\/address>\nFax +44 (0)1844 278 847<\/address>\n\u00a0<\/address>\nEmail reservations@blanc.co.uk<\/address>\n\u00a0<\/address>\n\u00a0<\/address>\n\u00a0<\/address>\n\u00a9 All images copyright of Martin Bignell<\/a>All rights reserved. Please do not use images without prior consent.<\/address>\n