Staff at Le Manoir in Great Milton were still celebrating today after Raymond Blanc’s famous hotel and restaurant retained its two Michelin stars for the 40th year running – an extraordinary achievement.
Yes, it’s that time of year when chefs around the country hold their breath in the hope that they might be granted a Michelin star or two, or at least hold onto the ones they’ve got.
In Oxfordshire this was certainly the case for Le Manoir, and The Nut Tree in Murcott who retained their stars at the ceremony yesterday where 31 new stars were awarded in Great Britain and Ireland, Michelin declaring: “It has been a banner year for British and Irish gastronomy.”
‘Awards are fantastic, but without our guests’ support we wouldn’t be here’
With Luke Selby as Executive Head Chef, working closely with his mentor, Raymond, to bring a renewed perspective to the menu, the duo said: “We are beyond excited to celebrate another year in the Michelin Guide. 2024 is especially important for us here at Le Manoir – we have a calendar full of events planned to celebrate the 40th anniversary and look forward to another successful decade.”
Mike North, head chef at The Nut Tree, who attended the ceremony, and his wife Imogen, said: “What an achievement for our little pub! 16 years of being the proud recipients of a Michelin Star. We are so proud of each and every one of our small team as this wouldn’t be possible without their hard work and support.
“Also a huge thank you to our amazing suppliers who give us the best produce to work with. Awards are fantastic but without our guests’ support both near and far, for food, and not forgetting our loyal local drinkers, we wouldn’t be here. Thank you everyone!”
Le Manoir in Oxfordshire’s Great Milton has also retained its Green Michelin Star for the fourth year running.
The Bull in Charlbury was awarded a Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking.
There were four other new mentions in the guide county-wide, with new entries including The Swan in Islip, The Chandlers Arms in Epwell READ OUR REVIEW HERE, The Bell in Charlbury READ OUR REVIEW HERE and Five Little Pigs in Wallingford.
They join Arbequina on Cowley Road, Pompette in Summertown, The Yurt at Nicholsons in North Aston, The White Hart Fyfield, The Lamb Inn in Crawley, Killingworth Castle in Wootton, Minster Mill in Minster Lovell, Bell Inn in Langford, Sir Charles Napier near Chinnor, Chequers at Churchill and The Wild Rabbit in Kingham.
Henley-way Orwells at Shiplake, Bistro at The Boathouse and the Golden Ball made an appearance while Cotswolds favourites still include Daylesford, The Fox at Oddington and Ox Barn.
