Raymond Blanc and Sodexo to deliver RHS Chelsea Flower Show hospitality
Chef Raymond Blanc and Sodexo Prestige have partnered with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to revamp the Hospitality Village and President's Marquee at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show next year.
Sodexo already provides public catering at the show's Charity Gala Preview, as well as hospitality at RHS Hampton Court Flower Show, Royal Ascot, Henley Royal Regatta and The Open.
Under the new partnership, Sodexo Prestige and Raymond Blanc, who has retained two Michelin stars for more than three decades at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons in Oxfordshire, will serve breakfasts, Champagne receptions, lunches, afternoon teas and private dinners in the evening.
Blanc said: "The RHS is a standard bearer of excellence in horticulture, while the RHS Chelsea Flower Show is arguably the most extraordinary gardening event in England and possibly the world no less.
"As for me, I've always been in love with gardens. From them, the colourful plants will flourish and the heritage vegetables will grow. From the garden, my gastronomy is born. In partnership with the RHS and Sodexo Prestige, I truly look forward to designing a space, menu and experience that will delight our guests."
Alex Beaumont, events director at Sodexo Prestige, added: "The Royal Horticultural Society is one of my best clients and along with my team we always give our very best to deliver a successful show for the RHS and their customers. This opportunity allows us to do something very different at RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
"Working with Raymond Blanc, we see huge opportunity to grow and develop our teams of both chefs and front of house staff with the help and guidance of such an inspirational figurehead."
Clare Hinde, head of special events at RHS, said: "Our world-class RHS Chelsea Flower Show deserves to offer nothing but world-class dining, so I am absolutely thrilled that our hospitality guests will get nothing but the best. The partnership of RHS, Sodexo Prestige and Raymond Blanc is very exciting and I cannot wait to see what delights Raymond and the team will thrill us with."
The 2016 RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be held from 24 to 28 May.
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