Nestled in the pretty Oxfordshire town of Great Milton, Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons is the brainchild of celebrated chef, Raymond Blanc OBE. As one would expect, dining is the focus here and the property has tenaciously held on to two Michelin stars since opening in 1984. With a world-class reputation, diners come from far and wide and have the added benefit of being able to stay if they wish, with 32 rooms and suites to choose from.
At first glance the property, originally occupied by monks in the 16th century, is a traditional English manor, but its stiff upper lip is juxtaposed with an Asian fusion style. Beyond the manicured lawns, lavender pathways, and Cotswold architecture one finds a Japanese tea garden blending Taoist, Buddhist, and Shinto traditions, and to cater for Raymond’s more exotic recipes, the vegetable garden boasts ingredients indigenous to Southeast Asia.
