Members choose Le Manoir to:
- Indulge their ‘Lord of the manor' fantasies over lunch
- Experience Raymond Blanc's culinary brainchild
- Get away from the London crowds for the night
Our restaurant expert Hernan Castro-Vidal says: 'An hour from the hubbub of London's frantic eateries, Le Manoir has established itself as one of Britain's favourite country house restaurants. Our members like the combination of fine food and great comfort in the away-from-it-all location – a medieval manor house in the village of Great Milton, eight miles from Oxford.
'Sweeping lawns, ponds and immaculate walled gardens encircle the house and offer diners stunning views through ancient mullioned windows – just one aspect of the house that has been sensitively redeveloped since 1984.
'Chef Gary Jones has overseen the introduction of a 10-course Menu Découverte that reflects the modern trend towards gastronomy as an experimental experience and aims to give diners an overwhelming and challenging series of flavours. All of the restaurant's dishes fuse British ingredients with French themes, resulting in concoctions such as Cornish red mullet with a fricassee of squid and croustade pastry with caramelised Braeburn apples.
'Although Le Manoir offers a luxurious, well established fine dining experience (it has held two Michelin stars for 25 years), members say they feel relaxed here. They tend to spend at least a night in one of its 32 grand bedrooms rather than just popping by for lunch or dinner. Le Manoir is surrounded by acres of land, creating a feeling of tranquil isolation, and members relish the feeling of peace and quiet as they dine on the best country produce. It's a grand English experience.'
Guide Price
Two courses à la carte: around £80. Three-course lunch: from £52.50. Tasting menus: from £125.
Insider tips:
- If visiting at lunchtime, you can take drinks on the terrace, wander round the incredible gardens and even have a game of croquet on the lawn.
- For special occasions, ask us to organise a tour of Raymond Blanc's two-acre kitchen garden. Blanc has championed the organic movement for two decades and grows more than 90 types of vegetable and 70 varieties of herb.
- Le Manoir caters for children with a special menu, available for around £20.
- Public transport here is difficult and will usually involve a long taxi journey. However, Le Manoir is only a few minutes' drive from the M40 motorway, Junction 7. Call us about arranging transport or booking a room.
- Make sure you arrive with plenty of time to enjoy a glass of vintage champagne or a beautiful bellini.
