Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir to shut for redevelopment

French chef Raymond Blanc will step back to become 'Lifetime ambassador' of the hotel

The double Michelin-starred restaurant and manor house hotel established by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc is set to close for a year-and-a-half for redevelopment.

Blanc has also announced he is to step back from the day-to-day running of Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons which he started in 1984, to become "Lifetime Ambassador".

He said the 15th Century country manor house at Great Milton near Oxford, where he has pioneered sustainability principles in cooking, had been the "the canvas of my life's work".

The "re-imagining" of the Le Manoir is due to start in January, with a reopening scheduled for summer 2027.

Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons secured two Michelin stars in every year since its opening in 1984

The restaurant has become renowned for its potager kitchen gardens which supplies its menus and was visited by King Charles in 2014.

It has been awarded two Michelin stars in each year since its opening.

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.

"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."

In a statement, Belmond Hotels said the redevelopment would keep Le Manoir "at the forefront of luxury British hospitality for many more decades".

"The reimagined hotel promises a timeless retreat immersed in nature, elevating accommodation, culinary experiences, and garden landscaping," it said.

It said some staff would have to be laid off while the hotel and restaurant are closed.

"The temporary closure will regrettably mean that some staff roles will be affected and will lead to redundancies while work is carried out."

It said it would "provide support and guidance" to those affected.