Raymond Blanc's Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons announces official reopening date

Raymond-Blanc-s-Belmond-Le-Manoir-aux-Quat-Saisons-announces-official-reopening-date-Coronavirus.jpg

Raymond Blanc's beloved English country house restaurant Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire has announced plans to reopen its doors in mid-July.

The restaurant, which is currently ranked number 67 on the Estrella Damm National Restaurant Awards Top 100 list, closed its doors in late March in line with the Government-mandated shutdown of the hospitality sector caused by the Coronavirus crisis. 

However, it has now announced via social media that it plans to reopen its doors on Tuesday 14 July.

It comes as the Government's Business Secretary confirmed that the earliest hospitality businesses will be able to reopen would be 4 July.

Writing on Twitter, the Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons team said: "We are delighted to announce that we are preparing to reopen our doors on Tuesday 14 July.

"Thank you to everyone who has sent their love to Raymond and Le Manoir team, supported us and kept in touch.

"We cannot wait to welcome you in person."

The Belmond's website explains that enhanced safety protocols will be put in place to protect both staff and customers. 

Restaurant and bar menus will be written on chalkboards or printed on single-use recyclable material, and both staff and guests will be required to undergo a temperature-check upon arrival.

If, on arrival, a guest is showing a high temperature, or any other symptoms consistent with Covid-19, they will be asked to travel later and will be cared for in a separate designated room until suitable onward care can be arranged.

The Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, which was founded by Blanc in 1984, was awarded two Michelin stars within its first year of opening.

Under the stewardship of Blanc and long-time executive chef Gary Jones, it has retained them ever since.