Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, A Belmond Hotel in Oxfordshire, has named French chef Arnaud Donckele as its new Culinary Director. A three-Michelin-star chef, Donckele brings his expertise to the UK for the first time.
He currently leads two of France’s most acclaimed restaurants: La Vague d’Or in Saint-Tropez and Plénitude at Cheval Blanc Paris.
Donckele is known for layered flavours and complex sauces, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and the character of the land. At Le Manoir, he will work closely with the estate’s gardens and local producers to create dishes rooted in British produce while maintaining French precision.
“To bring my cuisine to the UK at a place as magical as Le Manoir is a profound honour,” he says. He also highlights his admiration for founder Raymond Blanc’s commitment to sustainability and looks forward to reflecting the British countryside in his menus.
Raymond Blanc OBE welcomed Donckele’s appointment. “Arnaud is an artist and a thoughtful chef whose values match Le Manoir’s spirit perfectly,” he says.
Under Donckele, the estate will introduce new dining concepts that emphasise craftsmanship, connection to nature, and storytelling through food. Guests can expect bold creativity paired with Oxfordshire’s local ingredients, blending British terroir with French elegance.
The appointment is part of Belmond’s wider plan to refresh its iconic properties, following similar transformations at Villa San Michele in Florence, Splendido in Portofino, and Maroma in Riviera Maya.
With Donckele at the helm, Le Manoir is set to continue its legacy while offering a fresh, innovative take on fine dining.
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