Honorary OBE served up to Raymond Blanc

Renowned chef Raymond Blanc has been presented with an honorary OBE this week by culture secretary Andy Burnham, in recognition of his services to the British food industry.

Along with many other achievements, Blanc opened his own restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons in Great Milton, Oxford in 1984 and after just one year, Le Manoir was named the 'Egon Ronay Restaurant of the Year'.

Today, Le Manoir is the only country house hotel in the UK which has achieved and retained two Michelin stars for nearly quarter of a Century. The celebrity chef also runs cookery classes at Le Manoir and grows all his own organic vegetables and herbs which are used in his restaurant. In addition, he owns a number of brasseries such as Brasserie Blanc in Oxford, which has won several awards.

Burnham, who presented Blanc with his award, said: "His restaurant and country house hotel are by-words for excellence and quality.   Raymond has done an outstanding job in promoting culinary excellence not only to the British public, but for Britain itself, and has helped to raise awareness of the importance of healthy, nutritious food.  By basing his superb restaurant and hotel in Oxford, Raymond has helped to build the reputation that this country as a whole has as a place for fantastic food, with not only the most diverse varieties, but the best quality food in the world."

Blanc is ecstatic with his award: "I am thrilled that building my successful career in cooking has grown alongside building an awareness and appreciation of good food, healthy dishes and quality produce for British palates.  I am proud to have my contribution to the British food industry recognized in such a privileged way and I look forward to contributing so much more in the future. "

Words: Maria Bracken

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