Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons is one of the most luxurious hotels in the land. Set in a 15th century manor house, it has maintained two Michelin stars for the last four decades, boasts its own acclaimed cookery school (which has trained the likes of Marco Pierre White and Heston Blumenthal), has been visited by the King and costs at least £900 a night. Now, the man behind its greatness is stepping down.
Raymond Blanc, one of the most celebrated chefs in the world, founded Le Manoir in 1984 and has stood at its helm ever since. The other week he announced that he would be stepping back from its day to day running and instead become a ‘lifetime ambassador’. At the same time, it was revealed that the Oxfordshire hotel would shut for 18 months to undergo an extensive makeover.
Blanc’s hotel (now part of the luxe Belmond group) will temporarily shut its doors for a ‘visionary redevelopment’ from January 2026. Details of the renovations are still largely under wraps, but Belmond promises a ‘timeless retreat immersed in nature, elevating accommodation, culinary experiences, and garden landscaping’. The new and improved hotel will be revealed at a grand reopening in summer 2027.
Raymond Blanc said: ‘Le Manoir has been the canvas of my life’s work, a sanctuary where passion, excellence, and beauty have come to life every single day for over four decades. Together with my extraordinary team, we have built something truly timeless.
‘The redevelopment will allow Le Manoir to evolve for the future, to meet the needs of the modern guest while staying true to its soul and values. It is not simply a renovation, but a reinvestment in sustainability, in creativity, and in the spirit of excellence that has defined us.’
Did you see that Britain’s ‘smallest’ hotel has opened in Oxford?
Plus: 13 British restaurants have been added to the Michelin Guide.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.