The AA has celebrated the very best in hospitality for over 100 years, and recognises and rewards the excellent services provided by the UK’s very best establishment. The association is about to launch the 2010 AA guides to UK hotels and restaurants and election is made based on overall excellence and the specific achievements throughout the previous year. This year, the glamorous black-tie Awards ceremony was hosted by Natasha Kaplinsky, at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Raymond Blanc OBE and chef-patron of the two Michelin starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and founder and inspiration of Brasserie Blanc and Maison Blanc, received the award in front of a high profile audience of 800 members of the hospitality industry, including world-renowned chefs, prominent hoteliers, hospitality gurus and key industry media.

Blanc has championed and nurtured some of our most successful chefs including: Marco Pierre White, Martin Burge, Michael Caines and Bruno Loubet amongst others. In 2007 he was awarded an OBE by Her Majesty the Queen in recognition of his services in promoting culinary excellence and for raising awareness of the importance of healthy food as a central element of family life.

Blanc commented: “Once again, I am thrilled and honoured to have received such a wonderful award from the AA. 2009 continues to be a momentous year for me and my team at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, as we celebrate our silver anniversary – 25 years of providing a unique experience to each and every guest we have entertained over the years. We believe in perfection but also are humble enough to accept that one can only continue to strive for this ideal.

“I would like to single out my particular thanks to Alain Desenclos, who will be retiring this year after so many years of loyal service. He has been with me since the beginning of Le Manoir and has been a wonderful inspiration during our journey.

“I am honoured that I have worked with so many talented people over the years – many of whom are here tonight and I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to my team at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and to Orient-Express, who at all times have supported me in achieving iconic experiences for our guests.”

He continued, “Today more than at any other time, we are faced with huge challenges in this industry – challenges of the head and challenges of the heart – and the team at Le Manoir boldly looks at each of these issues as unique opportunities. When you run a property like Le Manoir – it’s not just about knowing what to do but also trusting on your instincts, which have, at times guided our decisions and created our fortunes.”

AA Hotel Services Group Area Manager Giovanna Grossi said: “We selected Raymond Blanc for the Lifetime Achievement Award because his passion for food, his respect for chefs and staff alike and his humble manner has clearly influenced our industry; he is one of the most liked and respected icons the hospitality industry has seen over the last 25 years and is truly deserving of this highest accolade.”

This year, guests were treated to a sensational three course gourmet meal prepared by three of the industry’s most highly esteemed chefs - Eric Chavot, Chris Galvin and Gary Rhodes - in conjunction with the Hilton Park Lane kitchen team. The guests also enjoyed a special performance by Britain’s Got Talent winners Diversity.

For more information about Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons visit www.manoir.com