Homage to Raymond Blanc at Darby's

On April 16th, a cohort of Raymond Blanc’s past and present team are joining forces to pay homage to their dear friend and mentor in an unparalleled dining experience at which Raymond Blanc is the Guest of Honour.

Orchestrated by Darby’s founder Robin Gill, the honorary evening will see an impressive array of hospitality specialists from across the UK, unite under one roof to deliver a six-course dinner inspired by the lessons learnt, and memories made whilst working under the titan chef. From chefs and restaurateurs to sommeliers, mixologists, and front of house, the event marks a unique moment for ‘Team RB’ alumni to pay homage to an icon that has helped shape their career whilst he dines as their guest.

Widely acknowledged as one of the world’s finest chefs, Raymond Blanc’s impact on the culinary scene is unparalleled. Completely self-taught, he is the only chef to have been honoured with both an OBE from Britain and the equivalent of a knighthood from France. Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons, Raymond’s exquisite vision for a country-house hotel which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, has retained two Michelin stars for over 40 years and is considered one of the finest gastronomic experiences in the UK. Raymond is founder of a group of authentic, seasonal, and affordable French brasseries, Brasserie Blanc, (part of the Heartwood Collection) which he first founded in 1996 now has over 14 brasseries throughout England.

Whilst Blanc's accolades and restaurants are world-renowned, his greatest pride is his pupils. With no formal training himself, he puts remarkable emphasis on passing his knowledge to the next generation of talent, in the kitchen at Le Manoir - where an impressive 34 of his protégés have gone on to win a Michelin star.

The current Team RB line-up includes Luke Selby, executive head chef at Le Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons; Robin and Sarah Gill co-founders of Darby’s, Sorella, Bottle & Rye; James Goodyear, head chef at Michelin-starred Evelyn’s Table; Eric Chavot of two-Michelin starred The Capital Hotel; James Murray, head chef, and Richie Phillips, head pastry chef, both of one-Michelin-starred The Timberyard; Agnar Sverrisson, executive chef of Michelin-starred Moss in Iceland; JJ Goodman, Founder of The Cocktail Clubs and Covent Garden Social Club. More names to be announced.

Tickets include a welcome drink and a six-course dinner that champions the tips and tricks passed on by Blanc through the years, with an exquisite drinks pairing also available. The legend himself has already secured his seat…. you wouldn’t want to miss this.

“As a self-taught chef, this is something I am truly most proud of. To have nurtured so many successful chefs through our kitchens at Le Manoir and to have helped create a network of incredible talent across the world... there is nothing greater.”
- Raymond Blanc OBE

Please get in touch via email if you’d like to be seated at a larger table - info@seragroup.co. Due to the layout of the space, you may be seated with other friendly members on the night.