New owner for Le Manoir?

Word reaches the Rat that Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Raymond Blanc's iconic Oxfordshire restaurant, could soon be changing hands.

The two-Michelin starred eaterie is currently part of the Orient-Express Hotels collection, but informed sources tell us that hotel group Jumeirah is poised to swoop.

Dubai Holding, Jumeirah's parent company, has been looking at Orient-Express Hotels for some time. It is believed to be interested in a joint venture between Orient-Express and the "hospitality assets" of Jumeirah.

In turning down an earlier approach from Indian Hotels to create a "strategic alliance", Orient-Express insisted it wanted to remain an independent company, but Jumeirah's interest may prove stronger.

Watch this space...

Update: 23 Nov. It is reported that NM Rothschild, the London-based investment bank, is advising Dubai Holding on a possible $3bn (£1.45bn) tilt at Orient-Express