Le Manoir aux Quatre Saisons
Discussion
Anyone been? It's unbelievably expensive, but was thinking about taking the wife for a night next time we are down south visiting family.
Don't mind spending the money if the food and service is extraordinary, although by PH standards it's probably regarded as barely a step up from a Travelodge.
I'm most definitely not a PBD so it would be quite a big thing for us.
Don't mind spending the money if the food and service is extraordinary, although by PH standards it's probably regarded as barely a step up from a Travelodge.
I'm most definitely not a PBD so it would be quite a big thing for us.
That place is amazeballs. Definitely would recommend.
What pushed it above other places for me were the gardens and variety of their seating, fabulous on a summers day. Started off in the conservatory, quaffed english sparkling wine and amuse bouche, then main dining room, then in the garden for tea. Spent ages there. I would say it was the best meal experience I’ve had. Food was not too shabby either.
It was a manor house, the environment, at least for me was definitely a step up over places like the Fat Duck (cramped ye olde english cottage vibe) or Petrus (ultra modern international hotel vibe). The food is sort of ‘hearty’ and normal compared to these two places as well, which I prefer. The Fat Duck, esp, I found the food overly complicated, I dare say a bit poncy and not to my taste at all, although other people loved it, so I guess it depends on what you want.
What pushed it above other places for me were the gardens and variety of their seating, fabulous on a summers day. Started off in the conservatory, quaffed english sparkling wine and amuse bouche, then main dining room, then in the garden for tea. Spent ages there. I would say it was the best meal experience I’ve had. Food was not too shabby either.
It was a manor house, the environment, at least for me was definitely a step up over places like the Fat Duck (cramped ye olde english cottage vibe) or Petrus (ultra modern international hotel vibe). The food is sort of ‘hearty’ and normal compared to these two places as well, which I prefer. The Fat Duck, esp, I found the food overly complicated, I dare say a bit poncy and not to my taste at all, although other people loved it, so I guess it depends on what you want.
Edited by wyson on Thursday 12th October 20:15
100% recommend.
Took myself there in July last year for my 40th.
You are not just buying the 2* food but a 2* experience from start to finish.
Couldn't fault it to be honest, a truly memorable experience.
As the above poster suggests, make sure you leave time for a garden tour.
Obligatory pic...
Cheers,
Chris
Took myself there in July last year for my 40th.
You are not just buying the 2* food but a 2* experience from start to finish.
Couldn't fault it to be honest, a truly memorable experience.
As the above poster suggests, make sure you leave time for a garden tour.
Obligatory pic...
Cheers,
Chris
If you have a bona fide food allergy don't bother. I have Coeliac Disease - medically diagnosed - and need a strict gluten free diet.
As with all Belmond establishments they don't cater for Coeliac's and Raymond Blanc has stated on national TV that he cannot abide folks with food allergies and that they can stay away from his kitchen.
As with all Belmond establishments they don't cater for Coeliac's and Raymond Blanc has stated on national TV that he cannot abide folks with food allergies and that they can stay away from his kitchen.
Sorry to hijack, but I'm currently planning a trip here too. I am sure the accommodation experience is as glorious, but I can't justify the stretch. I'm going to be flying down and hiring something special to get there from Heathrow. Does anyone have any experience of staying locally? Taxis easy enough? Hilton Doubletree Oxford Belfry is the likely option.
Do it but stay there. Wine cellar tour was nice plus you get to see the kitchens at work. They seem to hand out glasses of fizz at every turn from the moment you arrive. Spend time wandering the gardens and greenhouses. Wasnt at all stuffy and all aspects of service was perfect. Could not find fault at all.
Second obligatory car related photo.
I’ve been twice, totally agree with everything that’s been said - service is impeccable, but incredibly friendly too.
The second time we stayed overnight which obviously doubled the price but really added to the experience - we had a tour of the organic garden, played croquet on the lawn and enjoyed the sun in our own little garden.
Breakfast the following day was incredible too.
The second time we stayed overnight which obviously doubled the price but really added to the experience - we had a tour of the organic garden, played croquet on the lawn and enjoyed the sun in our own little garden.
Breakfast the following day was incredible too.
Not at all relevant but I was once hitchhiking with a girlfriend to her house near there in the early 1990s (1991 I think) and Mr Blanc himself stopped and gave us a lift in his car. I cant remember what the car was (not very ph) but it did have enough rear seat space to fit me (obvs the gf got the front seat). May have been an SL.
Really nice bloke, will take the wife there one day, always heard great things about the place. Dont know if its still there but there used to be a patisserie at the top of Little Clarendon Street in Oxford his wife ran which had lovely things for consumption too.
Really nice bloke, will take the wife there one day, always heard great things about the place. Dont know if its still there but there used to be a patisserie at the top of Little Clarendon Street in Oxford his wife ran which had lovely things for consumption too.
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