Stepping through the seasons.... A journey of summer discovery
Press release
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, combines the flair of a French country home with the pure opulence of a genteel English manor. As guests walk through the gates to Le Manoir, they enter a magical place where food, and the growing of that food, is at the heart of everything.
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31 May, 2022
The gardens are constantly changing and evolving, and each season adds a unique charm, whether it's the brand new blooms of spring, summer's riotous colours, the golden falls of autumn or winter's frosty majesty, they always offer something spectacular. Surrounded by lawns, flower borders and orchards, Le Manoir sits proudly amongst 27 acres which includes the magnificent two-acre vegetable and herb garden that produces over 90 types of vegetables and 70 herbs, overseen by a bronze scarecrow, modelled on Raymond Blanc himself. Throughout the year, Le Manoir hosts a selection of sought after events that combine the beauty of the gardens and of course Raymond Blanc’s famous two Michelin Star cuisine. A few of the dates in the diary include an exclusive garden party to celebrate Bastille Day and inspiring experts that are admired for their passion, creativity and skills will host workshops to share their wisdom and flair. The Raymond Blanc Cookery School has a calendar bursting with seasonal half day or full day courses as well as dates for themed days in The Raymond Blanc Garden School.
Hundred Hills Vineyard - Tuesday 21 June Celebrating Le Manoir’s partnership with Hundred Hills Vineyard, guests can take a gentle drive through the Oxfordshire countryside to embark on an insightful tour of the Vineyard and Private Estate with the owners Stephen and Fiona Duckett. A rare invitation to admire the pristine, award-winning vineyards, nestled between ancient woodland and the Stonor Valley. In the winery, guests can discover how years of winemaking wisdom, combined with the latest scientific advances, come together to help craft the precise, markedly English sparkling wines. Returning to Le Manoir with the wine makers for the first taste of the exceptional Hundred Hills releases as an aperitif and to accompany dinner created by Raymond Blanc. This behind the scenes evening costs £315 per person and includes travel to / from Hundred Hills from Le Manoir, private tour and tasting, five course dinner with accompanying wines, coffee and petits fours.
A perfect party – Thursday 14 July One of the most exciting dates in the calendar at Le Manoir, Raymond Blanc will host a magical garden party on Bastille Day. Celebrating the very best of British summertime, the magnificent gardens at Le Manoir will be transformed to house the most decedent party. Dishes will be prepared by the Michelin starred team who will be creating an alfresco style feast; an abundance of tastes. Guests can sip champagne as the entertainment spills out into every corner of the gardens or discover Le Manoir’s very own blended gin, as well as a selection of deliciously chilled natural wines & cocktails, served in the Maman Blanc Herb Garden from where their ingredients are freshly picked. Tickets are limited for this event and cost from £385 per person.
Gin Blending – Friday 5 August Venture through the gardens and discover the botanicals that inspires the hotel’s unique gin blend, created with William Lowe of Cambridge Distillery. This day of entertainment includes an exclusive tour of all eleven gardens in Le Manoir’s grounds, a gin making workshop, champagne reception, and of course, finishes with a four-course dinner with wines, followed by coffee and petits fours. This tipsy summer treat costs £315 per person.
Autumn Table with Sofia Hogarth-Guest - Tuesday 13 September Join Le Manoir’s celebrated in-house florist Sofia for an afternoon inspired by the turn of the season. Guests can immerse themselves in botanical bliss, learning how to create an impressive seasonal table display, and then enjoy an afternoon tea created by Le Manoir’s famous patisserie and ‘Bake Off – The Professionals’ judge, Benoit Blin. Guests can then take their newly created display home in a locally crafted ceramic display bowl. This floral afternoon costs £280 per person.
Seasonal cooking in The Raymond Blanc Cookery School The course calendar continues to be busy in The Raymond Blanc Cookery School and the seasonal dinner party courses remain a favourite. During the coming months, summer themed courses in the calendar include Blanc Vite (simple, seasonal dishes) and a BBQ course – all perfect for friends to do together. Full day courses start for £375 per person and include all tuition and ingredients, morning tea/coffee, informal lunch, refreshments and a certificate.
Learn about the wonders of nature - The Raymond Blanc Garden School (May-October) This school combines the passion the whole team at Le Manoir share for the love of gardening, with the desire to pass on best kept secrets to guests. Guided by the values of provenance, The Raymond Blanc Gardening School imparts insider tips and expert advice in a relaxed and creative environment, appealing to those with a keen interest in all things botanical, or seasoned professionals. Guests are encouraged to discuss gardening experiences with green-fingered experts and take home ideas and inspiration guaranteed to transform natural spaces or feel energised to create a personal garden scape. Courses run from May through to October.
For press information, contact: Sara Norman, Miriam Johnson at Four Travel on +44(0) 203 697 4200 or e-mail LeManoir@fourcommunications.com
Notes to editors: Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, is the perfect place to celebrate a special birthday, wedding anniversary or any occasion to remember. Every room has been designed with a particular theme from Raymond’s travels around the world, from Provencal, France to the Far East. Surrounding the house, the 11 gardens include the two-acre organic kitchen gardens, growing over 90 types of vegetables and herbs. The produce provides the kitchen for many months of the year - the envy of gardeners and chefs worldwide. Not to mention the mushroom valley, the Japanese Tea Garden, the English water garden and the orchards.
About Belmond
Belmond has been a pioneer of exceptional luxury travel for over 46 years, building a passion for authentic escapes into a portfolio of one-of-a-kind experiences in some of the world’s most inspiring destinations.
Since the acquisition of the iconic Hotel Cipriani in Venice in 1976, Belmond has continued to perpetuate the legendary art of travel, taking discerning global travellers on breathtaking journeys. Its portfolio extends across 24 countries with 45 remarkable properties that include the illustrious Venice Simplon-Orient-Express train, remote beach retreats like Cap Juluca in Anguilla, Italian hideaways such as Splendido in Portofino, or unrivalled gateways to world natural wonders such as Hotel das Cataratas inside Brazil’s Iguassu National Park. From trains to river barges, safari lodges to hotels, each unique property offers an incomparable experience with its own story to tell. The essence of the Belmond brand is built upon its heritage, craftsmanship and genuine, authentic service. Belmond sees its role as custodians of timeless heritage, dedicated to preserving its assets through sensitive ongoing restoration plans. Belmond is part of the world’s leading luxury group LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. www.belmond.com Follow Belmond: Instagram• Twitter • Facebook
The gardens are as much a part of the excellence of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons as the food and the ever-changing bounty of the seasons acts as the menu’s creative director, with the organic vegetable and herb garden its chief supplier.
Press Contact
Julia Sutcliffe
Director of Marketing
Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, A Belmond Hotel, Oxfordshire
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