Fine dining in the Cotswolds
We all know that the Cotswolds has simply stunning scenery and amazing walks that invariably end up at a beautiful pub. However, what many may not know is that the area also has a disproportionately large number of quality restaurants for those who enjoy fine dining.
There is, however, just one restaurant which the Michelin Guide has bestowed with their ultimate accolade; a sought-after second star!
Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons, Great Milton, Oxford
Sometimes, food is merely consumed functionally. However, other times, it is an absolute joyful experience. Raymond Blanc’s 2-starred oasis transcends eating and is somewhere that everyone, even if only once in their life, should try to visit. From its inception in 1985, Le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons has always had 2 Michelin stars. Each year, the consistency of their quality dishes ensures that it retains those two precious decorations.
From the moment that you arrive, it’s impossible not to realise that you are in a truly special environment. The beautiful Oxfordshire gardens are a delight and very much worth a visit before dining; the lavender scented footpath guides you to the door, the service and attention will make you feel like you are the only person that matters to all of the professional staff and the freshness, flavours and fragrances of the homegrown produce will make your mouth water. Oh, and did we mention the wine list is something to behold?
Self taught chef Raymond Blanc tries to give his customers an abundance of different gastronomic experiences and so both lunch and evening menus are of the ‘tasting’ variety. Although all of the vegetables are grown within the two acre kitchen gardens and are incredibly fresh and flavoursome, other ingredients span the extremes of the British Isles with Orkney scallops to Cornish seabass.
But the thing that sets Le Manoir apart is the atmosphere. Raymond and the entire team are passionate about avoiding the usual trappings of ultra fine dining. If you are fortunate enough to dine at Le Manoir you will feel incredibly welcome as the dining room is alive with conversation and all of the guests appear incredibly relaxed. And if once you’ve dined you think you may like to replicate the experience at home, why not reserve a spot on a course at one of the most respected cooking schools in the country?
At certain times of the year guests can also enjoy a seasonal cocktail experience where you learn the art of cocktail making with a curated selection of three delicious cocktails. You will also learn which foods each of the cocktails pair perfectly with, something to remember when recreating them for your own guests at home.
The Michelin Green Star is an annual distinction awarded to restaurants at the forefront of sustainable gastronomy. These establishments prioritise ethical and environmental responsibility by working with sustainable producers, minimising waste, and eliminating non-recyclable materials from their supply chains. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons holds a Michelin Green Star for its commitment to sustainability, sourcing ethically, reducing waste, and eliminating single-use plastics. The restaurant serves Belu Water, recycles glass and corks, and repurposes coffee grounds for compost. With 59% of its wine list being organic and biodynamic, it champions sustainable dining while supporting local farmers and responsible fishing.
It is true that dining here is not cheap. However, it is also a culinary connoisseur’s nirvana! If you want to treat yourselves to truly world-class cuisine, you will go a long way to have not just a meal, but a heavenly experience, that is better than at this Michelin 2-starred Garden of Eden.
