World famous chef Heston Blumenthal bounded on to the North Wall stage to surprise Raymond Blanc last night as the founder of Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS 2024. READ ABOUT THE NIGHT HERE
Heston flew in specially from the South of France to astonish his friend, and the two enjoyed a long hug on stage before being joined by a host of culinary giants from Luke Selby, executive chef at Le Manoir, to Adam Simmonds, and Daniel Galmiche.
A video of tributes from Raymond’s friends, family, proteges and colleagues also paid tribute to Raymond Blanc, which moved many in the audience to tears, as the revered chef was honoured for his momentous contribution to the UK’s hospitality industry.
‘I have been very much welcomed by Oxford. It is my home and that’s a beautiful thing’
Raymond Blanc OBE has achieved 40 years of two Michelin stars at Le Manoir, trained countless Manoir proteges who have gone onto win Michelin stars, 14 books, countless TV shows, 14 Brasserie Blancs and 20 premium pubs. He is without doubt one of the world’s most famous and beloved chefs and is proud to have set up home in Oxfordshire.
He said: “I have been very much welcomed by Oxford. It is my home and that’s a beautiful thing. There was always something very special about Oxford and I wanted to create my own inclusive environment within that. I like to think my restaurants are now part of the fabric, part of the city. Maybe I’ve been accepted too, even if I am a funny Frenchman!”
I like to think my restaurants are now part of the fabric of the city. Maybe I’ve been accepted too, even if I am a funny Frenchman!”
The Lifetime Achievement Award came as a total surprise, as Raymond thought he was just co-hosting the OXINABOX FOOD AWARDS 2024 ceremony with founder Katherine MacAlister, but with Le Manoir also celebrating his 40 year Michelin starred tenure there, what better time to celebrate this culinary legend.
