Recently in Raymond Blanc Category

In an interview in today's Metro, the great man of the Oxfordshire restaurant doesn't hold back with his thoughts on the two high-profile chefs.

Apparently when he was training Pierre White at Le Manoir, the volatile chef was "a nightmare," says Blanc. "Marco had to prove he was the best all the time. He always had to set up some sort of competition in the kitchen, which is not good because it makes people feel a bit scared."

As for Gordon, Raymondo is asked what he thought of the time the chef dressed up in disguise and pretended to be one of Blanc's fans at a book signing.

The response: "I find that very sad. He has a number of businesses and I know how tough that is. So to come and play the clown at one of my signings...what's the point? What is the bloody point? I didn't get it".

And: "He is the only one to get it. What is he trying to do and say? I just laugh. My God, has that guy got nothing else to do? He must be very well organised in his business if he has time to do stuff like that."

Later on Raymond does say: "I just want to add that Marco is a good friend of mine. And if he made a few mistakes on the way, well, don't we all?"

So one of them gets off a bit more lightly, at least.

Blanc's The Restaurant winners to launch Marlow pub >>

Marco criticised for belittling waiters on 'Hell's Kitchen' >>

Word has reached Caterer Towers that there are a few things happening at Eight at the Thatch - the home of Jeremy and Jane Cooper, winners of Raymond Blanc's TV reality show the Restaurant.

While details are scarce at this early stage it is understood that a meeting will take place tonight between Blanc and Peach Pub Company, who have supported the business and the Hooper's emerging careers as a partner of the show, during which the site will be discussed.

The Hoopers have been on maternity/ paternity leave from the site following the birth of their first child in March. Eight at the Thatch opened in Thame in Oxfordshire on 14 November 2007 and currently lists Christian Cilia as head chef and Sara Bates as general manager.

Auditions for the second series of the Restaurant have been taking place in Manchester and London during March and April which will be shown later in the year.

Log onto Caterersearch tommorow when we will be able to reveal more.