Industry News is Sponsored by HEWI
This June, Brasserie Blanc officially marks three decades of exceptional, seasonal French dining. Founded by two-Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc OBE, the celebrated restaurant group has come a long way since its milestone debut in 1996 with a single site in Oxford. Today, it has grown into a beloved family of 13 brasseries spanning the UK.
Cherished by guests for lively celebrations, leisurely lunches, and late-night conversations, Brasserie Blanc is marking this 30-year milestone with a month of nationwide parties. In partnership with Champagne Lanson, the group is bringing together guests, teams, and friends of the brand for a series of unforgettable evenings filled with live music across its UK locations.
On reaching this incredible milestone, Chef Raymond Blanc OBE commented: “I feel an immense sense of pride and gratitude as we celebrate 30 years of Brasserie Blanc. My vision was simple: to introduce hearty, accessible French cuisine to a broader audience. Alongside the exceptionally talented team at Heartwood Collection, this vision has been beautifully realised over the past three decades. We remain committed to offering our guests fresh, seasonal menus and exceptional hospitality, with every hope that the next 30 years will be just as rewarding as the first.”
Established in 1996 as Le Petit Blanc, the concept was born from a desire to bring authentic French cooking closer to home in the UK. Guided by the memory of his mother, Maman Blanc, and her love for fresh, seasonal produce, Raymond set out to offer wholesome, classic French cuisine with genuinely warm hospitality. From those first doors opening in Oxford to the present day, Raymond, his passionate team, and their loyal guests have woven a beautiful history of bringing people together around the table.
The 30th-anniversary festivities kicked off in style on 31st May (French Mother’s Day) at Brasserie Blanc Winchester. Guests enjoyed a curated four-course meal and prosecco at an intimate event themed ‘French Mother’s Day – it’s all about maman’, which included an exclusive meet-and-greet with Chef Raymond Blanc himself.
The celebrations continued on 4th June at London’s Southbank, where Raymond welcomed long-standing friends of the brand for an evening of anecdotes and classic dishes including Carré D’Agneau, perfectly paired with Champagne Lanson.
Flagship Homecoming (Oxford & Leeds): Brasserie Blanc’s very first site in Oxford will host an exclusive four-course VIP dinner hosted by Raymond. Simultaneously, the Leeds brasserie will welcome regular guests and local press for a vibrant evening of celebration.
11th June – Nationwide Public Invitation: Brasserie Blancs across the country will open their doors to the public for a night of live music, shared memories, and storytelling with the teams who have welcomed them over the years.
Participating locations for the June 11th live music events include Beaconsfield, Bournemouth, Cheltenham, Chichester, Hale Barns, Milton Keynes, Portsmouth, Southbank, and Winchester. London’s Chancery Lane and Threadneedle Street branches will also host celebrations (without live music).
To toast the occasion, diners at all participating sites can enjoy an exclusive anniversary Champagne Lanson offer throughout the event.
Moving into its fourth decade, Brasserie Blanc remains fiercely committed to the core values Raymond Blanc and his team instilled from day one: championing seasonal menus, sourcing local produce, perfecting French classics, and delivering genuinely warm hospitality.