Robert's review of Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons

Expectations were running very high as I drive with my wife up the M40 early evening last Sunday. Immediately regretting that I had not valeted the car as we swept into the gravel drive, I parked next to what I assumed might be a member of staff's car. A man quickly arrived to relieve us of our luggage and point the way to reception. When we arrived at reception we were greeted by the receptionist, manager and assistant manager and a charming hand written note from Raymond apologising for not being able to greet us personally- I should perhaps point out at this point that our stay at Le Manoir was partly funded, only partly, by Squaremeal thanks to my review of Locanda Locatelli.

We were shown to our room, which had been upgraded to a suite, and was fabulous, a bit chintzy, but I am being picky. Three TV's, a giant bed, lounge area, views over of the front of the hotel and a bathroom big enough to accomodate a football team or the US womens beach volleyball team whichever your fancy. Dinner was in the conservatory and as we were shown to our table I thanked my wife for cajoling me into bringing a suit, this is not a place for denim what ever the label.

Dinner was ten courses of finely balanced beautifully flavoured and presented food. Your fellow dinners are likely to have known each other for some considerable time and not have much to say, making for a fairly hushed almost library like atmostphere. The only disappointment was the cheese board which was even more French dominated than the wine list and not that interesting. Service was friendly, not stuffy, knowledgable and efficient. Breakfast at a place like this is not something you should have to pay for whatever the circumstances and whatever you order. The grounds are wonderful as is the bed linen and the bed for that matter, I am sure that I am not alone in thinking that there is a direct correlation between the quality of the bedroom and the quality of the…sleep.

Good for taking the most special person in your life on a special occasion, bad if all you want is pasta, a bottle of pinot grigio and a quickie!