The Magnificent Seven: Raymond Blanc invites UK’s top chefs to ‘once in a lifetime’ charity lunch

David Ellis

In aid of charity, celebrated chef Raymond Blanc has invited six of the UK’s top chefs to Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons to cook what’s being billed as a “once in a lifetime” lunch.

On February 24, the Oxfordshire restaurant will host Claude Bosi, Tom Kerridge, Richard Corrigan, Paul Ainsworth, Niall Keating and Tommy Banks alongside Blanc himself to cook in aid of Oli’s 100 Schools Project, a charity initiative aiming to build 100 schools across Africa in one year.

Between them, the seven chefs presently hold 12 Michelin stars, and represent some of the country’s top restaurants, including Whatley Manor and Bibendum. Each will cook a course throughout the lunch; it is the first time – and likely will be the last – that all have worked together at once. Before the meal begins, Masterchef finalist Olivia Burt will lay on canapes.

The lunch is being held in honour of Oliver ‘Felix’ Wissenbach, whose father is a friend of Blanc. Wissenbach was discovered dead in September of last year, having suffered Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. He fell ill while night swimming, aged just 25 years old. In tribute, his family pledged to build 100 schools across Africa in his name, in one year. So far they’ve built 13; the lunch will raise funds for another seven.

Seating is unsurprisingly limited, with just 100 tickets originally available and just 26 left at the time of publishing.

Prices begin at £1500, with all of the ticket sales going to fund the schools. More details can be found at oliverwissenbach.com.