Raymond Blanc and the Power of a Personal Brand
My relationship with Raymond Blanc and his circle began over six years ago when, in my relentless pursuit of excellence, I sought to elevate my jamón to the highest level. Since then, Le Manoir has become a benchmark for me. I recall that on that occasion, I was attended by Chef Gary Jones, and together we worked with 100% Iberian acorn-fed boneless shoulder ham. That was a distant starting point in my professional career in the United Kingdom, where I dedicated myself to promoting the culture of jamón and Spanish products. This experience helped me admire Raymond Blanc even more.
After the pandemic, I had the immense honour of working for him on several occasions, but without a doubt, the most significant was when I carved jamón at Jardin Blanc during the Chelsea Flower Show, in the presence of the Queen of England and British high society. Working with Raymond Blanc allows you to admire him even more because behind the legend, there is a great chef, a tireless worker, and the key figure of a team that, with millimetric precision, offers impeccable service. This year, Le Manoir celebrates its 40th anniversary with two Michelin stars, a testament to its consistency and excellence.
Le Manoir: A Luxurious Retreat in the Heart of Oxfordshire
Le Manoir is located just over 50 miles northwest of London, in Oxfordshire, on the edge of the prestigious Cotswolds area. This hotel, housed in a 15th-century manor house, is the building that Raymond Blanc chose to host what is now, without a doubt, a benchmark in both gastronomy and hospitality.
On this occasion, we stayed in one of the Deluxe Studio Suites, named Jade.
The décor, inspired by Southeast Asia, helps to bring you to a state of relaxation and enjoyment ideal for a few days of rest. It is considered by some staff members as one of the most beautiful suites in the place. It is located in one of the buildings adjacent to the main house, and to get there, you pass through some beautiful gardens. The suite has ground floor access, but once inside, you must climb an “L”-shaped staircase that leads to totally open spaces, with abundant natural light coming in from windows on almost every side.
The main body of the suite is divided into two areas by curtains. In the living area, there are spacious wardrobes, a dining table, and a comfortable sofa area to watch TV or listen to music with a Bluetooth sound system. The bedroom area features an extraordinarily large bed and a selection of pillows, while the bathroom is simply spectacular. Equipped with a bathtub, a large shower with a stone bench, and a sauna area, it turns the stay into an extremely relaxing experience.
A Stroll through the Gardens and Enjoying the Bar
The house is surrounded by impeccably maintained gardens, with a vegetable garden that supplies some of the hotel’s needs. Our room included a plate of fresh fruit from the garden, a detail that enhances the freshness and quality of the ingredients. Strolling through these gardens is like losing yourself in a world where every detail has been meticulously planned.
The gardens are ideal for enjoying a drink before dinner. The service is attentive, and a tablet offers multiple possibilities for choosing the perfect drink. The wines are organised by price, region, grape, and country. The cocktails also have their own space, with options so well crafted that they tell their own story. On this occasion, I opted for a Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky with ice.
An Unforgettable Dinner at Le Manoir’s Restaurant
After a couple of drinks in the garden, it was time to enjoy dinner at the restaurant. I confess that I had lost some faith in Michelin-starred restaurants due to previous experiences that didn’t meet my expectations. However, Le Manoir restored that faith from the very first moment. The excitement of being there enveloped me, and I could hardly wait to begin.
The team that attended to us delivered impeccable service, never overstepping, timing everything perfectly. They gave us the privacy needed to enjoy a very special dinner with my wife, in an atmosphere that breathed excellence. The waiters, always attentive to the needs of the diners, moved through the room with coordination that avoided any disturbing noise.
We opted for the special menu to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the restaurant’s two Michelin stars, a menu that reinvents Le Manoir’s history. The timing was perfect, and the wine pairing recommendations were extraordinary. Each dish was presented impeccably, giving prominence to every product.
It’s hard for me to choose which dish surprised me the most. Each one had its own technique, development, presentation, and, of course, enjoyment. Dish after dish, the experience built up unique moments: La Tomate, L’Agnolotti, La Fleur de Courgette, Le Pichon… Spectacular! I only have words of praise for Raymond Blanc’s entire team. It was a pleasant surprise to find four true Spanish professionals on the team: Zaida and Silvia, who provide exquisite service, Sergio, the bar manager, and Manu, the sommelier. Congratulations, you are the Spanish Brand in an icon of international gastronomy!
Exploring the Luxurious Le Manoir: It's definitely an experience for the privileged few
Final Reflection: The Value of a Great Leader
When things work, it’s because there is a great Chef Patron who loves his work and brings it to life every day in front of his team. They work because there is a team capable of respecting and following their leader, knowing that every single member plays a crucial role.
Chef Raymond, Chef Adam, Chef Luke… You are incredible!
Muchas gracias amigos!!!
Comments