Raymond Blanc presented with Lifetime Achievement Award
at The Cateys 2009

L-R: Michael McIntyre, Comedian, Raymond Blanc, Phil Jones, representing award sponsor Heinz Foodservice and Mark Lewis, Editor, Caterer and Hotelkeeper

8 July 2009: Chef patron/Chairman Raymond Blanc OBE has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by his peers and the Caterer and Hotelkeeper during their high profile awards, The Cateys.

At the sumptuous Awards last night, Raymond Blanc OBE, chef-patron/chairman of the two Michelin starred Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons and founder and inspiration of Brasserie Blanc and Maison Blanc, was honoured by the team of Caterer and Hotelkeeper.  

Since opening in 1984, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons has achieved the highest awards of any restaurant and country house hotel in Great Britain and is regarded as one of the very best in Europe. One of the few restaurants in the world to retain 2 Michelin stars for 25 years, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons remains a Mecca for gourmets the world over.   

2009 is a very special year for Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons as it celebrates its 25th Anniversary  - and Blanc and his team have a number of wonderful events organised for this very special quarter of a century celebration.

The Lifetime Achievement Award from Caterer adds to the firmament of success that Blanc has had and is awarded to a special individual who has excelled in their chosen hospitality profession.  Previous winners of this award include: Egon Ronay, Anton Mosimann and in 2008, Harry Murray, Managing Director of Lucknam Park Hotel.

Raymond Blanc commented “I would very much like to share this wonderful award with my team. I feel proud to have been the architect and custodian of this wonderful place. I’m thrilled to have received this prestigious award from the Caterer. My team and I pride ourselves on creating a unique experience to each and every guest and despite the current gloom, I know that there is always room for excellence.  
 
There are so many people I would like to thank – my fiancée Natalia, my family, again my team, those who have supported me over the 25 years and of course my partners at Orient-Express, who have always supported me.

Of course, I will treasure this award and it is a befitting and timely present as we our celebrate our 25th anniversary. I thank everyone at Caterer and Hotelkeeper from the bottom of my heart.”

For more information about Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons visit www.manoir.com