Honorary OBE 'served up' to 'formidable' French chef Raymond Blanc

Raymond Blanc was presented with an honorary OBE (Officer of the British Empire) on Monday 27th October by Culture Secretary Andy Burnham, in recognition of his services to the British food industry...

Andy Burnham said:

"I am delighted to present Raymond Blanc with this honorary OBE. His restaurant and country house hotel are by-words for excellence and quality. Raymond has done an outstanding job in promoting culinary excellence not only to the British public, but for Britain itself, and has helped to raise awareness of the importance of healthy, nutritious food. By basing his superb restaurant and hotel in Oxford, Raymond has helped to build the reputation that this country as a whole has as a place for fantastic food, with not only the most diverse varieties, but the best quality food in the world."

Raymond Blanc said:
"I am both proud and delighted to be awarded this honour by Her Majesty the Queen for my contributions to the food industry in Britain. Being French, I have an almost innate love of the best cuisine and produce. I am thrilled that building my successful career in cooking has grown alongside building an awareness and appreciation of good food, healthy dishes and quality produce for British palates. I am proud to have my contribution to the British food industry recognized in such a privileged way and I look forward to contributing so much more in the future. "