BBC Pictures
Raymond Blanc
Raymond Blanc, the chef currently gracing our screens on BBC's Kew on a Plate with presenter Kate Humble takes time from the veg patch to talk to Catherine Whyte as his recently refurbished Farnham restaurant re-opens
Raymond Blanc is a glass-half-full type of chap. The last time I came across him in the flesh, he had come out in support of ex-Formula One champ Jody Scheckter, his longtime friend and collaborator, to host the opening of Jody’s Laverstoke Park Farm Shop in Twickenham.
It was a jolly affair, with Blanc in typically ebullient form. And given that he seems to possess boundless energy and enthusiasm, it is no surprise that his business ventures are manifold – from the one-off Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons at Great Milton, near Oxford, to the seemingly ubiquitous Brasserie Blanc and White Brasserie Co chains to be found across the patch, from Teddington to Weybridge to Chobham.
I caught up with him briefly after the re-opening of Farnham’s Brasserie Blanc, which has just undergone a thorough refurbishment. The restaurant is still serving authentic, seasonal French flavours. So, apart from the décor, what has changed?
“We’ve taken away the tablecloths and the waiters' waistcoats,” explains Raymond. “The old formality has gone and we’ve created a much more welcoming feeling, so diners can be comfortable just popping in for a coffee or for dinner.
“We are aiming for, as the French would say, a feeling of chez nous. There’s no standing on ceremony.”
Especially not at the official launch.
“We had a great turnout and everyone seemed to have a very good time. The drink was flowing, the canapés were lovely. I was very pleased and went home an extremely happy Frenchman.”
Tres bon! But what about plans to open a White Brasserie Co pub on the former Cambio site by the castle in Guildford? Any news?
Monsieur Blanc is uncharacteristically tight-lipped.
“We are still in planning there, so I’m afraid I can’t really tell you anything at this stage.”
Guildfordians, it seems, will have to wait their turn. Meanwhile, consolation may be found by entering our April competition to win a meal for two at the new-look Farnham restaurant - watch this space for entry details
5 Castle Street, Farnham; brasserieblanc.com
