The Sunday Times Food List 2011

Last night, we were voted “2nd at The Sunday Times Food List 2011”. So by receiving this award, I know exactly how the French Rugby team felt on Sunday, when they lost in a closely fought final to the World Champions – New Zealand, and they only lost by one point!

There is nothing like being No 1.

Yet, finishing 2nd best is a fantastic achievement in itself, and I am hugely proud of everyone at Le Manoir. We always strive to do our best, and have been consistently in the top ten restaurants in the country: this does not happen by chance, so by finishing second also gives us something to work towards to next year.

My vision at Le Manoir is to create a ‘modern classic’ which shows in all of its facets. Training is at the heart of all we do here as we continue to grow, nurture and develop.

First, of course, I must congratulate Gary Jones, my Executive Head Chef, and Head Chef Carl Newbury, his second in command; and my compatriot Benoit Blin, our Chef Patissier. But congratulations are due to the whole brigade who are working so hard and with such enthusiasm.

Equally, my thanks and congratulations must go to M Mourad, our Restaurant Director, to Elvio, and the whole front of house team, who serve our guests so beautifully.

A huge thank you must go to our Head Gardener, Anne Marie Owens, and Jo Campbell. They work so hard to provide most of the herbs and vegetables that we use here at Le Manoir, and to keep our gardens looking immaculate, too.

Finally, last but of course not least, my thanks to Philip Newman-Hall, Director/General Manager of Le Manoir: who keeps an eye on everything and helps make Le Manoir run so smoothly and well.

Congratulations and thanks to you all; I am a very proud man today and so should be the team.

Best RB

Best to you all

RB

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