ABOUT US

Since 1956, The Manor has hosted more than 10,000 weddings and has been the sought after destination for generations of customers in celebration of life’s most special occasions.

Our experience and commitment to perfection is unparalleled in regard to weddings, social events, and corporate functions.

Now in its sixth generation, the Knowles family continues the tradition of providing gracious service and hospitality while keeping up with the changing needs of our clientele.

When Doris & Harry Knowles opened their three-room restaurant in the hills of West Orange on New Year’s Eve in 1956, they could not have known then that their dream would culminate in an establishment of which The New York Times said, “It is as close as one can get to perfection.”

It has been a long and rewarding labor of love for the Knowles family.  They have taken those original three rooms and created a New Jersey landmark that captures the timeless essence of elegance and splendor.

The Manor has helped generations of patrons to enjoy the finest in dining experiences as well as giving New Jerseyans (and beyond) a home to celebrate life’s most memorable events and make them special.

While doing so, The Manor has also created employment opportunities for hundreds, an impressive number of whom who have worked with us for 10, 20, or 30 years, and in some cases even more. We have given many their start in the hospitality industry; some of whom we’ve’s helped to climb the ladder from within and others who have successfully gone on to open their own banquet businesses, cook in their own restaurants, or lead others.

After The Manor’s founders, Doris & Harry Knowles purchased what was the small “The Moresque” restaurant and its surround acreage in the 1950s, upon renovations, they reopened the establishment as “The Bow & Arrow Manor” in homage to their original ties to the Robin Hood Inn.

After a few years and some initial success, they shortened the name to just “The Manor” and evolved the concept to a more refined dining experience to meet the demands of his customers and soon expanded their services to include wedding receptions  and banquet events.

Over the next 20-plus years The Manor was in a constant state of growth and change, as the Knowles family continued to reinvest the business’ success (and its funds) into improvements in the building and the experience.

Even to this day, while staying true its history and classical style, The Manor continues to grow and evolve to offer the best of quality and event accommodations to our guests.