World-famous restaurant Blanc closes for 18 months: what will happen to the staff.

According to The Sun: Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc commented on the decision to temporarily close his world-famous restaurant.

Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons will close for 18 months for renovations.

The Michelin-starred establishment in Oxfordshire will close its doors in January 2026 and will not reopen until the summer of 2027.

Job losses

The staff was informed of the plans during a meeting this week: around 150 jobs could be lost during the major renovation being undertaken by the hotel and restaurant owned by Belmond.

Blanc, who opened Le Manoir in 1984 and has managed it ever since, will step back from his role as chef and become the restaurant's lifetime ambassador.

“For more than four decades, Le Manoir has been not just a hotel; it has become the canvas of my life's work. Closing our doors, even temporarily, is truly emotional, but this is a necessary pause so we can offer something even more meaningful and beautiful after our reopening,”

A restaurant for stars

Le Manoir has been a launching pad for culinary stars like Marco Pierre White and Paul Liebrandt. The restaurant is known for its two-star ratings, which have been held for 41 years.

The establishment attracts many celebrities, including Kate Moss, Lady Gaga, and even King Charles (then Prince of Wales).

The restaurant's kitchen grows fruits, herbs, and vegetables in its rich gardens, and the menu is famous for refined French classics with a modern twist.

Despite its stellar reputation, the closure has raised concerns among the staff. While Belmond representatives declined to confirm the exact number of layoffs, some sources suggest the figure is about 150.

A representative stated that the closure would allow for a “visionary renovation project” and promised to work with those affected.

Blanc opened Le Manoir after many years of hard work, often spending up to 18 hours a day in the kitchen.

Within a few months, the restaurant received its two Michelin stars, which it still holds today, cementing its reputation as one of the most significant gastronomic establishments in the UK.

The venue, now part of the luxury LVMH group, was recently named the second-best hotel in the world by Tripadvisor.

The Michelin Guide describes it as “an iconic country house restaurant” with “wonderfully balanced” menus and a garden featuring 2,500 trees.

However, its plates will remain empty for now, as preparations begin to ready the historic estate for the next chapter.

Other restaurant closures

This decision came amid news of another popular restaurant, which had operated for almost two decades, closing down.

Little Italy, a family favorite in Timperley, Altrincham, announced its closure at the end of this month due to rising costs and rent.

Restaurant chains are also facing challenges, as the cost of living is leading to decreased footfall. Many businesses are struggling to recover after the pandemic, which has caused closures or reductions in establishments.

In particular, Cosy Club at the Buttermarket shopping center in Ipswich announced a “very difficult decision” to close its doors on May 31.

Browns Bar and Brasserie on Duke Street also shuttered its Brighton location in May due to lease issues that could not be resolved.

Turtle Bay closed its Blackburn location, which first opened in 2017.

Additionally, Oakman Inns & Restaurants announced the closure of six locations and the transfer of another 12, blaming rising costs after the pandemic.

Furthermore, BrewDog announced last week the closure of 10 locations, including its flagship store in Aberdeen after losses of £63 million.

The closure of one of the most famous restaurants in the world underscores the challenges facing the food service industry: rising costs and the impact of the pandemic. This may prompt other establishments to rethink their strategies to stay afloat in this difficult situation.

At the same time, restaurants on the verge of closure have the opportunity to rethink their concepts and improve service to remain competitive in the market.