Michelin-Starred Le Manoir to Close 18 Months, Chef Blanc Steps Back

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, the renowned two-Michelin-starred hotel and restaurant in Oxfordshire founded by chef Raymond Blanc in 1984, will close for 18 months starting January 2026 for an extensive redevelopment, reopening in summer 2027. The closure will lead to significant staff redundancies, with around 150 jobs impacted, though the company has pledged to support those affected. Blanc, who has led the establishment for over four decades and achieved two Michelin stars just months after opening, will transition from chef patron to lifetime ambassador, continuing to guide the venue's spirit. The redevelopment aims to evolve Le Manoir to meet modern guest needs while preserving its soul, values, and commitment to sustainability and creativity. The property is known for its potager kitchen gardens, which have supplied its menus for decades, attracting high-profile visitors including King Charles and celebrities like Kate Moss and Lady Gaga. The refurbishment is described as a reinvestment to maintain Le Manoir's status at the forefront of luxury British hospitality for decades to come.