Le Manoir selling kitchen kit amid closure and Michelin stars loss

Originally started by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc back in 1984, the now Belmond-owned spot has been one of the UK’s most cherished restaurants.

In the four decades of its existence, Le Manoir has retained its two Michelin stars, including for 2025, making it 41 years in a row.

It is currently closed temporarily, having shut its doors on New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1, 2026) for a year and a half of refurbishments and renovations.

READ MORE: Cotswolds Distillery crowned best in England after three awards won

Because of this, Le Manoir has lost both of its Michelin stars for the first time in its 42-year history.

This makes The Nut Tree Inn in Murcott near Kidlington the only establishment in Oxfordshire with a Michelin star, having held one since 2008.

The Le Manoir team will be looking to recoup their two star when the hotel and restaurant reopen in the summer of 2027.

In the meantime, old kitchen equipment from the cherished establishment is now up for sale via auction.

READ MORE: Jeremy Clarkson signs exclusive major deal with supermarket giant

Multiple items, including baking trays, wooden boards, moulds, crockery, serving plates, cloches, a food processor and more, are all available to buy.

The kit is listed with MST Auctioneers, a 35-year-old firm based in East Devon’s Honiton, for £100s collectively.

Le Manoir will now be aiming to retain its two Michelin stars and add a third next year, with both the renovations and the acquisition of a new Culinary Director both being central to this pursuit.

Arnaud Donckele, appointed to the role, said: “To bring my cuisine to the UK for the first time, at a place as magical and meaningful as Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, is a profound honour.