Raymond Blanc stood in the heart of Winchester on Sunday, May 31, greeting guests at Brasserie Blanc’s 30th anniversary celebration—a milestone he called 'extraordinary' for any restaurant. The event, held on the same day as Fête des Mères, France’s Mother’s Day, drew more than 80 diners who paid tribute to the chef’s enduring legacy in a single sitting.
The four-course meal was a tribute to Blanc’s mother, whose recipes he’s credited with replicating across his restaurants. Dishes included 'Soupe au Pistou Maman Blanc,' trout confit with horseradish cauliflower and trout roe caviar, roasted lamb with Provençal herbs, and rhubarb frangipane tart. Guests also enjoyed free-flowing drinks and a live acoustic set that filled the brasserie with the hum of conversation and laughter.
Key Points
- ✅ First Brasserie Blanc opened in Winchester in 1996
- ⚡ Sold-out 30th anniversary lunch featured four courses and live music
- 💡 Menu highlighted classic recipes from Blanc’s mother
Blanc, flanked by his team, took a moment to reflect on the journey that began in Oxford with Le Petit Blanc. 'To hold a business at this level for three decades is rare,' he told diners. 'My mother was my first and greatest mentor—her values shaped everything I’ve done.' The event wasn’t just a party; it was a testament to his belief that great food should be accessible, seasonal, and deeply personal.
| Dish | Description | Inspiration |
|---|---|---|
| Soupe au Pistou Maman Blanc | Classic Provençal vegetable soup with basil pesto | Raymond Blanc’s mother |
| Filet de Truite Confit | Poached trout fillet with horseradish cauliflower and trout roe caviar | Family recipes |
| Carre D’Agneau Roti | Herb-crusted roasted lamb cutlets | French countryside tradition |
| Tarte Frangipane à la Rhubarbe | Almond frangipane tart with seasonal rhubarb | Seasonal dining |
Among the guests was Alan and Dianne Long from Eastleigh, who called the evening 'fabulous.' 'We’ve never had a bad meal here,' Alan said. 'This is our favourite place to eat in Winchester. Raymond is so natural—he genuinely cares about his customers and his food.' The couple left with a promise to return for the legendary passionfruit soufflé, a Brasserie Blanc signature.
📋 By The Numbers
- 14 — Total Brasserie Blanc locations across England
- 2 — Years since Raymond Blanc’s latest cookbook, *Simply Raymond: Kitchen Garden*, was published
- 3 — London brasseries included in the group
Blanc’s vision for Brasserie Blanc was simple: bring authentic French dining to everyday tables without pretension. What started as a single brasserie in Oxford has since grown into a 14-strong network, spanning cities from Leeds to Bournemouth. Winchester, where the chain’s regional presence began, remains a cornerstone of the brand, celebrated for its relaxed atmosphere and commitment to seasonal ingredients.
💡 Pro Tip
Arrive early for Brasserie Blanc’s weekend brunches—limited seating and high demand make reservations essential.
As the evening wound down, Blanc posed for photos with guests, posed with his chefs, and toasted to the next 30 years. 'This isn’t just about food,' he said. 'It’s about bringing people together, creating memories, and keeping traditions alive.' With the Winchester brasserie standing strong, his mission shows no sign of slowing down.
- 1996 — Brasserie Blanc Winchester opens under Raymond Blanc’s vision
- 2008 — Raymond Blanc expands the brand into a national chain
- 2024 — 30th anniversary celebrated with a special lunch and book promotion