Why Harry loves....Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons – The Professionals’ Choice: Harry Murray MBE
Each week an industry leader will write about their favourite operation in the hospitality industry...and why. Launching our first publication we are delighted to feature Harry Murray, MBE explaining his admiration for one of the UK’s truly special hospitality experiences.
About Harry:
Currently the Chairman of Lucknam Park, Harry’s career spans more than 40 years managing 5 star hotels in the UK and South Africa. In addition to his 13 years at Lucknam Park, he spent 18 years as General Manager of the Imperial Torquay and opened and managed a 5 star international hotel in South Africa for five years. Lucknam Park was awarded the AA Hotel of the Year 2010 and the Catey Independent Hotel of Year 2010.Why Harry loves....Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons
"There are many great hotels in this country run by passionate and dedicated managers and staff. However, the hotel that has been most impressive during the past year is Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons. This hotel has created hospitality at its very best and has achieved this without the now traditional spa and leisure facilities.This Relais & Châteaux hotel offers a quality product par excellence, including superb individually designed rooms and suites together with comfortable and attractive public areas. The immaculate and attractive gardens with their carefully chosen sculptures and water features, and an interesting and productive kitchen garden all create a unique venue.All this is complemented with impeccable service and excellent cuisine. In my view the third Michelin Star is long overdue. Raymond Blanc, Chef Patron, has achieved culinary perfection and ticks all the boxes in terms of quality produce, creativity, preparation, presentation, and consistency. The taste of his menu remains on the palette long after your visit.
The imposing and impeccably dressed Director and General Manager Philip Newman-Hall has the rare quality of managing his talented boss and leading his team with passion and enthusiasm. Philip is a ‘hands-on’ manager and has a particular eye for detail that is so often not considered in hotels today.As a guest in this hotel you are pampered from the moment you are met by the houseman on the car park until finally handed a goody bag for the long journey home.Attention to detail is amazing throughout the hotel and it soon becomes obvious that the entire team have a sense of purpose to exceed guests’ expectations at every stage of their stay.Raymond Blanc’s vision and his great passion to deliver the very best in hospitality has been achieved after a 25-year inspirational journey. He has shared and passed on his knowledge and enthusiasm to many of this country’s leading chefs.During the past year this hotel was voted ‘Best Group Hotel’ at the Cateys and Philip Newman-Hall was voted ‘Manager of the Year’ - both accolades very well deserved."