Celebrity chef Raymond Blanc is facing ridicule online after telling of his ‘deep sadness’ at ‘missing’ his five-star hotel and restaurant amid coronavirus lockdown
- Restaurateur wrote emotional tweet about Belmond Le Menoir aux Quat’Saisons
- Covid-19 outbreak forced the 15th Oxfordshire century manor to close in March
- French chef Bertrand Munier insisted in response that ‘the sun will rise again’
Raymond Blanc, pictured, was urged to maintain perspective after his emotional tweet
Raymond Blanc has been urged to remember other countries ‘have been through far worse than this’ after admitting the coronavirus outbreak left him longing for his five-star hotel and restaurant in the countryside.
The celebrity chef took to Twitter this week to pen an emotional message about his beloved Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons.
The 15th century manor near Oxford boasts perfectly manicured lawns, an in-room spa service and five-course meals for £120 but has been closed since March 16.
The OBE chef wrote: ‘Yesterday, I experienced a deep sadness – not just the fact that I am isolating since two weeks, nor the bad situation…I missed home.
‘Yesterday; the sun and light were pouring over @emanoir gardens & the golden stones of the much loved house – I imagine the miracle of it all.’
The tweet sparked hundreds of reactions, with social media users quick to remind Mr Blanc to keep some perspective.
The celebrity chef posted pictures of his beloved Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, pictured
One wrote: ‘Courage, mon brave. Our countries have been through worse than this, and we will be back. You are much loved and an inspiration to many. Hope to revisit Le Manoir when this is over. We will meet again.’
Another said: ‘The year has seasons for reasons. As human beings we can learn from this. We can’t just keep going without a pause.
‘We also need time for reflection, relaxation and transformation. Let the sadness remind you of what you appreciate & what truly matters.’
A third added: ‘Your garden is beautiful. I think maybe the one thing we see in all of this is what a miracle nature is and when do we actually stop and look.’
French chef Bertrand Munier insisted ‘the sun will rise again’ to his compatriot’s confessional post.
The 15th century manor, pictured, boasts perfectly manicured lawns, an in-room spa service and five-course meals for £120 but has been closed since March 16
It comes just weeks after Mr Blanc, who lives in Oxfordshire with his wife Natalia, said the hospitality industry is being ‘sacrificed’ due to a lack of leadership from the Prime Minister.
He wrote on Twitter: ‘Yes, our hospitality industry is being sacrificed, battered, with no clear direction from Boris Johnson.
‘This put each of our businesses from the humble bistros right up to the [Michelin star restaurants] in a dire straight situation, no man’s land.’
The manor in Great Milton, Oxfordshire, was forced to temporarily close in a desperate bid to protect its guests and staff during the pandemic.
And the French chef revealed that he is determined to ‘start writing a new little book’ during the nationwide lockdown.