Harden's survey result
For 25 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. This year diners have submitted over 60,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK.
Summary
“I couldn’t take any risks for my wife’s 50th birthday weekend... so I placed my trust in Raymond’s impeccable hotel and restaurant... result: perfection!” M Blanc’s “magnificent” converted Elizabethan manor boasts a “dream location” in a picture-book village south of Oxford and, “if you want to spoil someone with luxury”, an overnight stay here is “the ultimate ‘because-you’re-worth-it’ experience”. “Any visit must include a walk through the gardens”, which not not only cap off “the perfect setting”, but also help supply the restaurant and “would make any kitchen gardener green with envy”. “Special praise also goes to the service: that all-too-rare combination of humanity, wonderful politeness and efficiency” that “sets a standard others only aspire to”. Last but not least, when it comes to the cooking – “essentially French haute cuisine, but not so rich” – it is occasionally said to be a tad “safe”, but more commonly it is described as “exquisite, with supreme attention for detail” (and – unusually for such a high profile restaurant – provokes vanishingly few ‘contrarian’ negative reports). One unavoidable downside: “a visit is unfortunately hugely expensive”; but on most accounts “this is not just a meal, but a spa for the soul and the senses, generating a deep sense of well-being, and – viewed as such – is a good-value prescription!”
Summary
“One of the most beautiful places in the UK”; Raymond Blanc has created “a jewel-like experience” (especially for couples who stay over in one of its rooms), at this “immaculately kept” Elizabethan manor, in a small village south of Oxford – “an iconic destination” (and the survey’s most mentioned outside London). “From the moment you step out of the car”, the “staff’s welcome instantly makes you feel at ease”, and a visit to the gardens – including the large kitchen garden that partly supplies the dining room – is an essential part of the trip; “even in the icy cold of February they are a pleasure to wander around”, and “make one truly believe that fairy tales are indeed true!” For some reporters the atmosphere in the dining conservatory itself is exceeded by other elements of the experience, but quibbles in this respect are few. Meanwhile, if there’s a gripe about the “beautiful and typically French haute cuisine”, it’s that some find it “slightly lacking innovation” – but for the vast majority of guests its “finesse” and “awe-inspiring attention to detail” contribute to an overall occasion that’s “a benchmark for all things good in hospitality”. Naturally it’s best not to dwell on the prices, but the overwhelming verdict is that it’s “worth it!”
Summary
“A wander around the magnificent gardens” is the overture to a “blissful” all-round experience (especially if you are staying the night) at Légion d’Honneur winner, Raymond Blanc’s “immaculate” Elizabethan manor house, which has few rivals in the UK as the choice “for a very special occasion”. “Exquisite” modern French cuisine – with much produce from the grounds – is delivered by “sensitive” staff in a “light and airy” conservatory. On the downside “you need a second mortgage”, but most reporters feel “it’s an investment worth making”.
Summary
“Worth the 300 mile round trip!”; for “spectacular” food in a “stunning” setting, Raymond Blanc’s “impeccable” country house hotel and dining room offers “a sublime experience” that’s “worth pushing the boat out for”; “make sure you leave time to explore the gardens before dinner!”
Restaurant details
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Genius! A truly unforgettable experience. Make sure you visit the garden"
"I've just recommended this as most romantic meal; pricey but worth it for a special occasion. Do walk in the gardens, and sit in one of the many lounges. True luxury."
"beautiful - even better if you stay - very attentive - amazing food"
"We attended a small wedding at Le Manoir and were privileged to stay overnight. This hotel is wonderful and so is the food. Our wedding lunch consisted of 7 "small" courses, including scallops, crab salad, egg and ham dish, monkfish, beef, a Millefeuille and cheeses. Thew food was faultless and delicate, the service equally impressive. Of course these experiences don't come cheap but they are to be appreciated. The hotel itself is terrific with every little need being anticipated: item sin the rooms such as travel adapters, 4 instead of the usual 2 flannels and so on. Quite one of the best hotel and dining in experiences in the UK."
"Christmas at Le Manoir is hard to beat the lighting on the entry gates and the general feel is wonderful. Service was impeccable. Food very good but for me still lacks innovation. Classy though."
"Beautiful and relaxed setting, great service which was top quality but non intrusive. The whole experience was relaxed yet still special. Food was beautiful and delicious, though didn't wow me any more than some meals I have had for half the price. Most courses flowed perfectly, but some long gaps between others. I loved the little extra touches and food treats and the ambiance especially."
Church Road, Great Milton, OX44 7PD
Opening hours
| Monday | 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm-2:15 pm, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm-2:15 pm, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm-2:15 pm, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm-2:15 pm, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm-2:15 pm, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm-2:15 pm, 6:30 pm-9:30 pm |
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