Two Michelin-starred chef, Raymond Blanc has launched a new scholarship programme for 2017 as part of his work with Ascot Racecourse.

The Raymond Blanc Chef Scholarship focuses on the chef team which includes Phil Howard, formerly of the two Michelin-starred, Elystan Street and sees a chef from Ascot working closely with Raymond and Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons throughout the year. They will also receive a full endorsement and reference from Raymond Blanc.

Matt Shipley who began as a sous chef at Ascot has been chosen as Raymond’s apprentice for its inaugural year. This involves one-on-one training demonstrations and working closely with Raymond at Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons and at each of the five race days at the Royal Ascot.

This is the third year Raymond and his team at Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons have worked in partnership with Royal Ascot. Raymond currently advises on many aspects of the fine dining offered in the Panoramic Restaurant at Ascot Racecourse, including menu design, staff training and service standards.

This year will see Fine Dining managers from Ascot visiting Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons to immerse themselves in Raymond Blanc's philosophy. The training days will focus around provenance, service and of course food to ensure that the operation at Ascot raises the standard of service for guests.

In addition to management development, front line teams will be going through a heightened, more rigorous skills training programme focused around specific disciplines such as wine and barista training working alongside key suppliers and sponsors. This training is in addition to the existing Ascot Academy training offer made up of both practical and e-learning elements.

>>> Read more about Raymond Blanc here