Set in a 14th century stone manor house about 19km (12 miles) southeast of Oxford, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons is considered the finest restaurant in the Midlands, and one of the best in England. Founded, and still run by Frenchman Raymond Blanc, the restaurant has kept its two Michelin stars since 1977 by creating a true farm–to–table experience. Most of what you'll eat here will be grown in the gardens out back, which contain an herb garden (that yields 70 different varieties of herbs) and a vegetable garden that grows 90 different types of veggies. The restaurant is attached to one of the most respected cooking schools in the UK.
Guests dine in a lovely conservatory on such delicacies as veal sweetbreads with watercress puree and wild mushrooms, Cornish red mullet with squid fricassee and roast suckling pig served in its own juices. Vegetarians are well taken care of with a tasting menu created just for them, ranging over what's seasonally appropriate at the time of the visit. Service is low-key but attentive, and most diners cap off their meals with a stroll in the lovely gardens here.
And if you're a true gourmand, you can purchase a package here which includes meals, luxurious accommodations, a copy of Blanc's cookbook and perhaps a lesson or two (packages vary). The restaurant often throws special dinners with notable personalities or featuring special wine and champagne pairings.
-Frommer's Staff