Photos and feedback - Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, September 2024
On Friday 20th September 2024, BBC Gardeners' World Magazine readers enjoyed a special day at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, a Belmond Hotel. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and orchards, guests explored the grounds, watched expert demonstrations, sampled freshly pressed apple juice, and savoured a two-Michelin-starred lunch.
Shirley Accini, Sub Editor at BBC Gardeners' World Magazine, reflects on her experience of the day:
Four seasons by name and four seasons by nature; everything that goes on at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is influenced by the time of year. So last September, when I was invited to attend the GW subscriber apple pressing and cookery event, with a two-Michelin starred lunch thrown in, I had an inkling that I was in for an autumnal experience with a difference.
Setting the scene for the day’s events, the trees surrounding Le Manoir were ablaze in reds, browns and oranges. After a warming welcome reception, orchard manager Paula took us along the lavender-lined path, past clipped lawns and wildflower meadow to Raymond Blanc’s organic orchard containing over 2,500 apple varieties. As Paula explained, this impressive endeavour stemmed from his quest to grow heritage apples from all the English counties, and in doing so, reconnect British food with the land that it comes from.
But this was no sit-and-listen seminar. In the spirit of connecting with nature, we rolled up our sleeves and found ourselves crushing, grinding, pressing and, finally, with sweated brows and aching muscles, sipping an exquisite jus de pomme.
A more genteel affair awaited us in the kitchens, where senior tutor Becca conjured up an apple souffle and an apple sorbet, convincing us that we too could easily produce the same at home – sure, pas de probleme…
Our morning’s efforts were rewarded with canapés and Champagne (and a delicious non-alcoholic sparkling rose), then a four-course lunch. As the wine flowed, we were delighted to see apples with our starter and dessert. So pretty, so delicious. So quickly consumed.
Clutching a goody bag on the train home, I reflected on a fun and unforgettable day, and couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate autumn.
And here’s what some of our guests had to say about their experience...
It has been quite difficult to find an event that is of interest to both my partner and myself, as I am a keen gardener and he is not. The combination of apple juicing, a cookery demonstration, and eating and drinking in good company provided something for everyone. We had a wonderful day, and I believe we shall be talking about this day for years to come. It was well worth our trip over from the Isle of Man, and we would certainly do it again.
A truly special day that flowed effortlessly from start to finish. The service was impeccable—always delivered with a smile—and the food, champagne, and wines were absolutely delicious.
