Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is one of the most iconic hotel restaurants in Britain, famed for it’s two Michelin starred cuisine courtesy of Raymond Blanc OBE and its idyllic Oxfordshire setting. Normally, their afternoon tea is reserved exclusively for hotel guests. Occasionally it does allow non-residents to experience the luxurious atmosphere on weekdays and you might be lucky to try it, as we were.
Afternoon Tea at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons
Raymond Blanc has rather remarkably held two Michelin stars ever since the restaurant opened in 1984. This quintessentially British hotel and restaurant also houses a renowned cookery school.
It’s a very pleasant train ride from London Marylebone to Haddenham and Thame Parkway, followed by a short taxi ride afterwards. Another fun way to get to Le Manoir is to take Belmond’s Pullman train for a vintage themed journey.
Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted outside. If it’s nice weather, they’ll usually give you a choice of dining inside or outside.
When the weather is warm enough, we definitely recommend eating outside, where you will be served a chilled glass of champagne. Before the tea, Le Manoir’s head gardener might take you on a tour of the kitchen garden if you’re fortunate.
Anne-Marie has worked with Raymond for 30 years, right from the beginning of Le Manoir. Here she is in the middle holding a loofah – yes they actually grow these here!
It would certainly come in handy at bath time. We tasted an oyster leaf plant, which tastes remarkably like an oyster and stevia, the natural Aztec sweetener.
By now you’ll have worked up an appetite. This tray of goodies was brought out for us to feast on.
Featuring an array of savoury treats, the presentation was as high as we were expecting. The coronation chicken tartlets were one of our favourites, and we loved the beef and horseradish too.
One of our party had specific dietary requirements so they brought her a cute little tray of her own with the most attractive cucumber sandwiches we have ever seen.
After the savouries, your waiter will bring you a selection of scones with homemade jam and fresh cream, plus a lovely array of sweet delicacies. The scones had that lightness which means you can easily eat two without feeling guilty – well that’s what we told ourselves, anyway.
As for the desserts, who could have hoped for a more photogenic selection. The raspberry and chocolate slice is pure heaven,whilst the round chocolate ganache with gold leaf topping is equally moreish.
The cherry and apricot cakes are also delicious, and the choux buns are fluffy yet crispy at the same time.
If the sun is out, make the most of it by visiting the rest of the grounds. Admire this dovecote along the way.
The Garden Suites are particularly lovely, especially this one, L’Orangerie.
The Garden Suites each have their own private terrace with their own gate, feeling like a real home from home. Raymond has filled the gardens with statues.
One of our favourites is this little boy who is doing a great job of looking after the croquet set. Guests are very welcome to have a go.
Or if you’re feeling energetic, there is always this tandem!
And for those wishing to propose, there’s a Japanese tea garden with a thatched roof that would make the perfect venue. There are new sculptures to discover at every turn.
Having afternoon tea at Le Manoir is such a wonderful way to spend a Summer’s day. Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons means The Manor for Four Seasons, and it would definitely be worth returning at every change of the season 😉
To have a chance to experience afternoon tea, follow @lemanoir on Twitter, as they occasionally release midweek dates for those not staying at the hotel. It’s also a fabulous place to come for lunch or dinner, just make sure to book well in advance, it’s incredibly popular.
Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Church Road, Great Milton, Oxford, OX44 7PD, UK
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wow such a beautiful place! the food looks so delicious, oh those scones!!!!
The scones were fantastic, such a treat!
The setting is breathtaking, eating outdoors when able is always my preferred choice. Wonderful that they cater for food allergies this is so often overlooked when it comes to afternoon tea. The cakes look superb some of the best I have seen, I trust they tasted as good Lucy x
The cakes were lovely, thanks Lucy – defiinitely a foodie tour de force!
I think you”d love it Francesca, hope you’re having a great weekend!
You’re right, it was delicate and yet innovative at the same time. Thanks for stopping by!
The garden tour was great, and the oyster plant tasted so similar to the real thing. I’d love to stay in one of their garden suites!
Even though, I don’t have a sweet tooth, I don’t really mind sitting in a place like that while having a tasty after noon tea! Very beautiful place!
There were some great savouries too, I tend to prefer those myself
Such a beautiful day trip from London!
Yes and the train journey was so relaxing, wish they were all like that!
I know, doubly lucky as it was a beautiful sunny day!
The finger sandwiches were delicious, Anouk. Hope you are having a great weekend, it’s pouring down here!
I can definitely see why it’s so popular! Love the photos of the beautiful garden (and the food… Oh my gosh!). And there’s a tandem, so this Dutchie would be on cloud 9 there 😉
Ooh I love Dutchie bikes – though mine is a Trek hybrid 😉
Wow. Oh My this looks so fancy and amazing! It must have been like 100 quid to have tea at a place like this! Absolutely fantastic photos! I love a bit of countryside with tea <3
Heba xx || The Heba
I think its around £50 so a great way to eat there. Glad you like the photos Heba!
Such a beautiful day, sunshine, bubbles and a beautiful afternoon tea. I have read lots about Le Manoir and it’s certainly on the list.
The cakes were wonderful, Natalia – buona sera!
It was amazing Kelly, I’d have loved to have played croquet too – will have to return for that and to sample the cookery school, I hear it’s fantastic!
It all looks and sounds totally gorgeous! I think your idea of trying Le Manoir every season is pure genius!! 😉
It would make for good blog posts wouldn’t it! With shots of the garden in the different seasons 😉
I had never thought that tea could be so interesting
It certainly is here! I bet you have some great afternoon tea in India
Oh wow, this place looks so stunning!
Gorgeous isn’t it! That honey coloured stone is a feature of the Cotswolds area, love it!
That’s very kind Ting, glad you liked them
It’s very laid back luxury, you feel so relaxed there
The statues are wonderful aren’t they, and there are lots more to discover
Wow – the selection for afternoon tea looks so great and such high quality! Plus the grounds themselves are lovely x
Mehreen A | wrapyourlipsaroundthis.com
That’s an amazing paradisical place! It’s like from a romantic movie setting.
You know, you’re absolutely right! And the car and tandem would be perfect in the movie too!
It would be a brilliant setting for a staycation with girlfriends, and the cakes were amazing
There were lots of people celebrating, it does mean that everyone is in a very good, relaxed mood!
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Those cakes look like little works of art and I totally agree about those cucumber sandwiches they brought out for your companion with the dietary requirements – so sweet!
Your afternoon tea looks absolutely delish! (Bet you didn’t have room for dinner though…) We’re Belmond fans, having stayed at a few around the world now (like Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and Belmond La Residencia in Mallorca). We’ve found their properties ooze charm and character – and we can see from your post that this is true also of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons :-).