Latest news with #LeManoirauxQuat'Saisons


Daily Record
12 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Ayrshire revealed as contender for new Raymond Blanc cooking or gardening school
Raymond Blanc, an ambassador for The King's Foundation, is hopeful he can work with the charity to create new cooking and gardening schools. Ayrshire is a contender to host a new cooking and gardening school run by Michelin star chef Raymond Blanc. In an exclusive interview with Ayrshire Live, the celebrity chef confirmed that he was "looking at the idea" of founding the learning establishments. Raymond hopes that he can work with The King's Foundation, a charity for which he is an ambassador, to create the new schools and Dumfries House near Cumnock could become home to one of the schools. The French chef already runs cooking and gardening schools at his Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons restaurant in Oxfordshire and he is looking to pass on his knowledge to the next generation. Speaking to Ayrshire Live, Raymond said: "I am looking at the idea of creating a Raymond Blanc Cooking School - and a gardening school as well - as part of The King's Foundation. "We don't know where it will be as there is still some way to go. I'm not promising anything. "I have had a gardening school for the last seven years and it is marvellous. My chefs go into it so they learn to respect the skills of the gardeners and you win all the way. "To me, training is everything. Passing on your knowledge is the most important thing that a human being can do. That is what my mum, my papa and my culture taught me and that is what I will do. "There is much more knowledge so we can grow things better but with less chemicals. We all know, it is very well proven, food is responsible for about 70 per cent of diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. "That is what it does if you don't exercise and you eat badly. I understand people because there is no money so we have to teach people how to cook. "For me, it is easy but not for them. I hope [we can open a school] but we will see how it goes." Raymond was in Ayrshire on Tuesday, June 10, speaking to school pupils at The King's Foundation's Hospitality Careers Fair at Dumfries House. He became an ambassador for the foundation in March 2025 as he shares many of the same values as King Charles III. Raymond added: "I know King Charles is doing exactly the same [passing on knowledge], not on a micro level but a macro level and that is why I am here as an ambassador. "The King, through his foundation, is teaching so many crafts whether it is carpentry, science, cooking, gardening or sustainability especially at Dumfries House which is the heart of it all. "It is marvellous as it has a huge impact on community and world wide. He has played a huge role of making people aware. "With global warming and all the issues it causes, it is going to become more and more important."


South Wales Guardian
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Raymond Blanc hails work in hospitality during careers fair at Dumfries House
Blanc, 75, who became an ambassador for the foundation in March, spoke to 250 pupils from 16 schools at the event at Dumfries House, East Ayrshire, on Tuesday. The French chef, who has two Michelin stars at his Oxfordshire hotel and restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, shared stories about working his way up the ranks in kitchens, after starting as a pot-washer, and gave them an insight into the variety of jobs in the industry. Blanc has mentored notable chefs including Heston Blumenthal and Marco Pierre White, and also worked with aspiring chefs on BBC programme The Restaurant between 2007 and 2009 when couples competed to open a restaurant with his support. 10 pupils visited Dumfries House for The King's Foundation annual hospitality day. The pupils learned about all areas of the industry. World renowned chef Raymond Blanc was in attendance and pupils Noel and Phoebe chatted with him about becoming a chef. It was awe inspiring. — Doon Academy (@DoonAcad) June 11, 2025 Dumfries House hosts an introduction to hospitality course run by the foundation, which aims to provide students with the skills, experience and confidence to work in both front and back-of-house roles. The course is accredited by City and Guilds and includes a week-long industry placement. Blanc, a father-of-two, said he is using his new role to 'encourage excellence' in the next generation working in hospitality. He said: 'At their age, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I started off as a cleaner before becoming the best dishwasher and glass cleaner. 'It's so important that young people are encouraged and supported to work in the hospitality industry as there's an enormous opportunity there for those willing to work hard. 'Education is something that's very important to me so I was proud to be a part of The King's Foundation's hospitality careers fair. 'Young people need good mentors to reach their full potential. 'As an ambassador for The King's Foundation, I want to take what we've learnt at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and pair it with the excellent work of The King's Foundation to encourage excellence amongst the next generation of culinary and horticulture professionals.' Livia Alexander, hospitality education manager at the foundation, said: 'The hospitality industry continues to face challenges in terms of recruitment and retention, and events like this are so important as they show young people what the industry is really like, and give them an insight into the careers available. 'Having Raymond Blanc OBE come and talk to the pupils was an amazing opportunity for them. 'His story is so incredible, and the pupils left feeling inspired and motivated.'


North Wales Chronicle
13 hours ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Raymond Blanc hails work in hospitality during careers fair at Dumfries House
Blanc, 75, who became an ambassador for the foundation in March, spoke to 250 pupils from 16 schools at the event at Dumfries House, East Ayrshire, on Tuesday. The French chef, who has two Michelin stars at his Oxfordshire hotel and restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, shared stories about working his way up the ranks in kitchens, after starting as a pot-washer, and gave them an insight into the variety of jobs in the industry. Blanc has mentored notable chefs including Heston Blumenthal and Marco Pierre White, and also worked with aspiring chefs on BBC programme The Restaurant between 2007 and 2009 when couples competed to open a restaurant with his support. 10 pupils visited Dumfries House for The King's Foundation annual hospitality day. The pupils learned about all areas of the industry. World renowned chef Raymond Blanc was in attendance and pupils Noel and Phoebe chatted with him about becoming a chef. It was awe inspiring. — Doon Academy (@DoonAcad) June 11, 2025 Dumfries House hosts an introduction to hospitality course run by the foundation, which aims to provide students with the skills, experience and confidence to work in both front and back-of-house roles. The course is accredited by City and Guilds and includes a week-long industry placement. Blanc, a father-of-two, said he is using his new role to 'encourage excellence' in the next generation working in hospitality. He said: 'At their age, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I started off as a cleaner before becoming the best dishwasher and glass cleaner. 'It's so important that young people are encouraged and supported to work in the hospitality industry as there's an enormous opportunity there for those willing to work hard. 'Education is something that's very important to me so I was proud to be a part of The King's Foundation's hospitality careers fair. 'Young people need good mentors to reach their full potential. 'As an ambassador for The King's Foundation, I want to take what we've learnt at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and pair it with the excellent work of The King's Foundation to encourage excellence amongst the next generation of culinary and horticulture professionals.' Livia Alexander, hospitality education manager at the foundation, said: 'The hospitality industry continues to face challenges in terms of recruitment and retention, and events like this are so important as they show young people what the industry is really like, and give them an insight into the careers available. 'Having Raymond Blanc OBE come and talk to the pupils was an amazing opportunity for them. 'His story is so incredible, and the pupils left feeling inspired and motivated.'

Leader Live
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Raymond Blanc hails work in hospitality during careers fair at Dumfries House
Blanc, 75, who became an ambassador for the foundation in March, spoke to 250 pupils from 16 schools at the event at Dumfries House, East Ayrshire, on Tuesday. The French chef, who has two Michelin stars at his Oxfordshire hotel and restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, shared stories about working his way up the ranks in kitchens, after starting as a pot-washer, and gave them an insight into the variety of jobs in the industry. Blanc has mentored notable chefs including Heston Blumenthal and Marco Pierre White, and also worked with aspiring chefs on BBC programme The Restaurant between 2007 and 2009 when couples competed to open a restaurant with his support. 10 pupils visited Dumfries House for The King's Foundation annual hospitality day. The pupils learned about all areas of the industry. World renowned chef Raymond Blanc was in attendance and pupils Noel and Phoebe chatted with him about becoming a chef. It was awe inspiring. — Doon Academy (@DoonAcad) June 11, 2025 Dumfries House hosts an introduction to hospitality course run by the foundation, which aims to provide students with the skills, experience and confidence to work in both front and back-of-house roles. The course is accredited by City and Guilds and includes a week-long industry placement. Blanc, a father-of-two, said he is using his new role to 'encourage excellence' in the next generation working in hospitality. He said: 'At their age, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I started off as a cleaner before becoming the best dishwasher and glass cleaner. 'It's so important that young people are encouraged and supported to work in the hospitality industry as there's an enormous opportunity there for those willing to work hard. 'Education is something that's very important to me so I was proud to be a part of The King's Foundation's hospitality careers fair. 'Young people need good mentors to reach their full potential. 'As an ambassador for The King's Foundation, I want to take what we've learnt at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and pair it with the excellent work of The King's Foundation to encourage excellence amongst the next generation of culinary and horticulture professionals.' Livia Alexander, hospitality education manager at the foundation, said: 'The hospitality industry continues to face challenges in terms of recruitment and retention, and events like this are so important as they show young people what the industry is really like, and give them an insight into the careers available. 'Having Raymond Blanc OBE come and talk to the pupils was an amazing opportunity for them. 'His story is so incredible, and the pupils left feeling inspired and motivated.'

Rhyl Journal
15 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Raymond Blanc hails work in hospitality during careers fair at Dumfries House
Blanc, 75, who became an ambassador for the foundation in March, spoke to 250 pupils from 16 schools at the event at Dumfries House, East Ayrshire, on Tuesday. The French chef, who has two Michelin stars at his Oxfordshire hotel and restaurant Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, shared stories about working his way up the ranks in kitchens, after starting as a pot-washer, and gave them an insight into the variety of jobs in the industry. Blanc has mentored notable chefs including Heston Blumenthal and Marco Pierre White, and also worked with aspiring chefs on BBC programme The Restaurant between 2007 and 2009 when couples competed to open a restaurant with his support. 10 pupils visited Dumfries House for The King's Foundation annual hospitality day. The pupils learned about all areas of the industry. World renowned chef Raymond Blanc was in attendance and pupils Noel and Phoebe chatted with him about becoming a chef. It was awe inspiring. — Doon Academy (@DoonAcad) June 11, 2025 Dumfries House hosts an introduction to hospitality course run by the foundation, which aims to provide students with the skills, experience and confidence to work in both front and back-of-house roles. The course is accredited by City and Guilds and includes a week-long industry placement. Blanc, a father-of-two, said he is using his new role to 'encourage excellence' in the next generation working in hospitality. He said: 'At their age, I had no idea what I wanted to do. I started off as a cleaner before becoming the best dishwasher and glass cleaner. 'It's so important that young people are encouraged and supported to work in the hospitality industry as there's an enormous opportunity there for those willing to work hard. 'Education is something that's very important to me so I was proud to be a part of The King's Foundation's hospitality careers fair. 'Young people need good mentors to reach their full potential. 'As an ambassador for The King's Foundation, I want to take what we've learnt at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and pair it with the excellent work of The King's Foundation to encourage excellence amongst the next generation of culinary and horticulture professionals.' Livia Alexander, hospitality education manager at the foundation, said: 'The hospitality industry continues to face challenges in terms of recruitment and retention, and events like this are so important as they show young people what the industry is really like, and give them an insight into the careers available. 'Having Raymond Blanc OBE come and talk to the pupils was an amazing opportunity for them. 'His story is so incredible, and the pupils left feeling inspired and motivated.'