Harden's survey result
Summary
“Any visit must include a walk through the gardens” when you visit Raymond Blanc’s “enchanting” converted Elizabethan manor, and “from the moment you arrive you are hit by the peace and tranquility of the whole enterprise”. “From beginning to end, the attention to detail is exceptional”: “nothing is left out, nothing is too much trouble” and staff “make you feel very, very special; not in a cloying way but through sheer politesse” (“exceptional service that includes attention to young children”). On the vast majority of accounts, it’s “a breathtaking, out-of-this-world gastronomic extravaganza” too, with “exquisite food (with no hint of overambitious ideas or overloading of ingredients), whose preparation is exact and whose plating is very graceful”. Where reservations are expressed, the issue is usually either the absence of a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ (“the food was beautiful and delicious, courses flowed perfectly, but they didn’t wow”); or “the need to chat with your friendly bank manager before you open the wine list”. On most accounts, though, the equation stacks up beautifully: “this was a one-off bucket-list visit, but worth it despite the vast expense”.
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”.
Restaurant details
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Went to lunch here to celebrate a friend's birthday. I have not been for several years and was pleased to find that standards were still as high as before. Had the 5 course menu which was very good though no particular "wow" factors. The best part of the Manoir is the setting and the garden - particuarly on a lovely sunny day"
"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."
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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