THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS, KEW is a world-famous scientific organisation, holding an unrivalled position for its outstanding collections of plants and fungi, artefacts and art, world-class Herbarium as well as its expertise in plant diversity, conservation and sustainable development. From its beginnings as a small physic garden in 1759 it has grown to become a top international visitor attraction and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kew's 132 hectares of stunning landscaped gardens and iconic glasshouses make it one of the world's best-loved gardens, a paradise for plant lovers, offering a wealth of ideas and inspiration to all. Raymond Blanc OBE is acknowledged as one of the finest chefs in the world. Completely self-taught, his influence on gastronomy is so great that he is the only chef to have been honoured with both an OBE from Britain and the Légion d'honneur from France. His beautiful hotel restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, has retained two Michelin stars for thirty-five years and was voted Best Hotel and Best Food Hotel of the Year by the Caterer's Hotelier Top 100 Awards. Raymond has written more than ten books and presented many television shows. He is honorary President of The Sustainable Restaurant Association and Vice President of Garden Organic.