An outstanding meal with a quirky journey through Heston’s childhood memories of food. Eating scrumptious food which to the eye looks entirely different to the taste sensation in your mouth. Excellent staff who create a great relaxed atmosphere. Can not recommend this food adventure enough - Outstanding
What a delight it was to return to the Fat Duck with new friends, 2nd time visit (lucky us) but didn't disappoint.
I was slightly apprehensive that it wouldn't blow my mind like the first experience, but I need not have worried. There were surprises in store as they make each journey unique, they had added new dishes and presented some exciting future recipes for us to try.
Kirri our storyteller was amazing, managing us on our journey as the wine pairing (highly recommend this) took hold.
Heston is genius in creating amazingly quirky dishes which tell the story of childhood memories.
Would visit a third time. Definitely worth the wait. 😘
From the fabulous doorman Mohammed to the amazing, delectable journey through 16 courses of utter heaven. All in all a fantastic gastronomic experience re-living Heston’s childhood travels and the food that made an indelible impression on him. The wine pairings are a must and perfectly complement each dish. Thanks to MP for a fabulous and totally memorable experience.
Had an amazing second journey today! I was worried it wasn't going to be as mind blowing as the first one but in fact both myself & my hubby both agreed it was better!!!!!! we discovered even more tastes this time round & it was amazing to see our other two guests be blown away by each & every course!! The service was once again second to none & the attention to detail & personalisation made us feel very special!! loved our little extra chicken sandwiches for our picnic!!! The wine pairing was especially good and my hubby who doesn't drink even commented that the orange juice was the best he has tasted!!! We have all had an amazing day unforgettable of course & i say day because we left home at 9am & got home at 9pm the 3 hour drive there & 3 hour drive home seems a bit extreme but well worth it!! thank you so much can't wait for next time! xx
Most awesome meal I ever had, tastes were so awesome, favourite dish was the one in the woods, had to shut my eyes to enjoy because it tasted unbelievable....
Also wine pairing can be really recommended, fit nicely and was not too much for a four hour meal.
Absolutely amazing!! A great story with A lot of tasty, playful dishes, followed by some "real" dishes at the end. Texture, flavour, wine, service etc was in perfect balance and The fat duck and is one of a kind!! The service was totally down to earth, and You felt respected through the hole visit. My expectations where huge but they got fully redeemed, and I can check it out my bucket list with a smile. 5 huge stars to The Fat Duck⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Visiting the fat duck was an amazing experience, we had goosebumps from the first to the last dish! The staff, the food, all personal details etc. was totaly mind-blowing! 😍
Such a special experience with our best friends to celebrate our friendship and to mark the occasion of moving to Chicago. Liam, our storyteller, was a total legend and made the whole thing perfect - such a lot of care and attention goes into it, to tailor each experience to the memories you share. And I haven’t even STARTED on the food yet! Just amazing - it’s definitely worth saving up for a special trip!
What a fantastic experience, the staff are amazing and talk you through the whole experience from start to finish. They make you feel special and genuiely want you to have a great time. They made it so personal and gave lots of surprises. I would recommend every pays the fat duck a visit!!
We were here 5 years ago and decided for 2 special birthdays to come again. We weren't disappointed, enough changes to make it a whole new experience, as fantastic as the first time. I booked earlier this time, at 7.15, which was ideal, as we didn't finish until after midnight. Our friends were astounded when the storyteller knew things about them......my only tiny disappointment was the actual paper menu is now a fold up version and I'd had the previous one framed, it's not a place you'd go every week, but if you enjoy fantastic food and the theatre it's a must.
What a wonderful experience, thank you to Ryan our story teller, and all the staff for their amazing service, the kitchen who created Timor flag n Blue berry ice cream to personalize our visit! The food is very tasty n fun! Have to be the most memorable dinner to date!
This experience is simply hard to describe. It is a foodies dream, the holy grail, an epic adventure. The team at the Fat Duck made this an evening to remember and we will be buzzing for a long time. Every part of the meal was exciting, cleverly executed and imaginative. All I can say is.... the meal was worth every penny and I hope to return one day !
An amazing experience. Exciting journey, well directed by your Storyteller. Food beyond expectations with personal memories cleverly woven into the journey. Wine paring definitely worth doing.
Our reservation for lunch at one of the world’s best restaurants by one of the most crazy, forward thinking and innovative chef’s of modern times – Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck restaurant in Bray – was secured just after a multi million pound refurbishment of the restaurant. Thousands clambered to get a golden ticket for the chance to sample the food of one of the planet’s most talked about chefs. We were two very lucky diners.
Where to begin.. everything was perfect! We were given a map as we entered, there was a magnifying glass waiting on table, so as soon as we sat down we knew we were going to have an amazing time (4 1/2 hours to be exact!). It honestly felt like the Disneyland for foodie, definitely worth every penny (+6 months waiting). They also gave us a bunch of personalised gifts/surprises throughout the courses, the best one was during “bedtime” (dessert served on a floating pillow) when they dimmed the light on our table and played a sleeping lullaby version of the Jurassic Park song (my boyfriend favourite movie when he was a kid). In short, go and be amazed.
I must credit TFD. This was my first gastronomic experience and marked the beginning of my culinary journey... The pine cleanser between dishes, the tobacco ice cream... Heston Blumenthal went where no one else dared and he just kept going. I am happy to know I was here when it all began in December 2002. I compare every venue with this one and still think it trumps them all.
A place like no other. Unpararelled dining experience. Creativity in cooking was to the max. Dined here early this year at January 2017. My favorite item is the bacon and egg breakfast transformed into a tiny little cereals boxes as those in Supermarket. Then there is cheeseburger ice cream cone. Floating desserts. And eating seafood and foam while listening to the ocean music through earpods is something that would not happen twice in my life. All in all, it is one in a lifetime dining experience.
With the risk of sounding a cliché, the Fat Duck is probably the best restaurant I've ever been to. The fact that it's widely known to be one of the best restaurants in the world (if not the best) actually plays against it. My expectations were so high coming in through the unmarked door in the small town of Bray, that I knew I would be disappointed. What happened next is unbelievable and cannot be appropriately described in a review. Let me give you one advice: go there. It's a once in a lifetime thing. The experience is clearly the best in any restaurant I've been and the food mind-blowing (literally).
Whether you consider yourself a food lover or not, Heston Blumenthal is a chef name that will you have come across at some point in your life. He's often featured on TV shows like Masterchef Australia, mainly for his attitude towards cooking. Some view him as a mad scientist of sorts as he often concentrates on the scientific aspect of cooking. With all that in mind, it's no wonder his three-michelin star restaurant, The Fat Duck, has people fighting for reservations.
For my fiancee’s birthday, I had booked a table for lunch at the Fat Duck. She has been clamouring to go to Heston’s flagship restaurant for a very long time. I have visited the Fat Duck previously and given the nature of the restaurant, where the menu changes little, there was very little incentive to revisit. However, back in 2015, the Fat Duck closed for a 6 months for renovation. The whole team relocated to Melbourne during this time but when the time was up, they returned home to a new dining room, new kitchen and most importantly a brand new menu. Ok, perhaps not all the menu is new – there are still a few old standbys – but by and large there were enough new dishes to perk my interest to return.
s a restaurant search and discovery service founded in 2008 by Deepinder Goyal and Pankaj Chaddah. It currently operates in 23 countries, including India, Australia and the United States.[3] It features restaurant information such as scanned menus and photos sourced by local street teams, as well as user reviews and ratings.
The journey. It's no longer a meal, it's an experience. Food, service, atmosphere all impeccable. Well worth the wait, price and travel. We'll let the photo do the talking... though... Spoiler alerts!
All I have to say is, wow... Impeccable in every aspect. We dined here 3 weeks ago, as many would know there is now a new menu/experience on offer at the fat duck. What an absolute pleasure it was too. My fiance and myself had the highest expectations possible and it was in no way the slightest let down.
The service is flawless, the meal borders on theatrics. The service is so well orchestrated it is a feat to marvel on its own.
The food is incredibly exciting and for a 5 hour meal not once did I get bored or have the urge to check my phone. Which says a lot for a 30yr old haha. Every dish stood out as a dish that would make an entire meal at almost any run of the mill fine dining establishments degustation offering. Consistently amazing plates which satiate all the senses. It's probably best not to delve into too much detail because it will spoil the surprise.
A must do for any food fanatic.
With the recent stint of The Fat Duck in Melbourne (and my inability to win a place, although the price was a little ridiculous), I have been reminiscing about my own adventure at the mothership. I remember anticipating this meal greatly. I was going to finally book the #2 restaurant in the world for one of the meals of the century. During a short term contract in northern Tasmania, I made the phone call one late evening. I wasn't particularly keen to use my mobile to ring the UK, but the work phone operator was only too happy to connect my call through. With only a few available dates, the 1/10/2009 was keenly booked, and then it was only a short two months before the day.
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It cost us £60 for the taxi ride from central London to Bray, Windsor and Maidenhead where The Fat Duck is located. We did lunch with the chosen son and daughter-in-law.
What can I say that has already not been said below. Definitely an unbelievable experience. I went with a friend and we took the train from Paddington to Maidenhead and then took a cab to the restaurant. We did a lunch time slot without the wine pairing. We drank 3 bottles of A.A. Badenhorst Family Wines White Blend 14.5% Coastal Region Republic of South Africa at £79.00 each. With 12.5% Service charge and VAT of 20% the total converted to CAD was just over $2,200.00. The most expensive meal we have ever had. This was, of course, Michelin dining at its best.
This meal was more than amazing but we did find that some of the courses were gimmicky especially the " SOUND OF THE SEA" dish which included a conch shell with sound. You couldn't imagine that it was anything but a sensory experience including all of the senses with smells, sounds, tastes, and textures. There were stories told such as the Mad Hatter's Tea Party and the Jelly of Quail. We particularly enjoyed Hot and Ice Tea and Salmon Poached In Liquorice Gel. Despite the friendly service provided by an international staff, we found service to be at the top of the scale which one would obviously expect. We were allowed to use the staff washroom (accessible) which gave us an opportunity to look into their kitchen, which was quite small (normal for such restaurants) considering the quality of the dishes that came out of it. After we were there, the restaurant was being taken to Australia for a 6 month adventure. The Bray building was being upgraded with new kitchen. Upon reopening there will be a new menu and. Of course, a higher cost per diner.
We ate Amuse Bouche - aerated beetroot macaron with horseradish cream; Nitro poached aperitifs - vodka and lime sour, campari soda, tequila and grapefruit; Red cabbage gazpacho - pommery grain mustard ice cream; Jelly of Quail, crayfish cream - chicken liver parfait, oak moss and truffle toast; Snail porridge - iberico bellota ham, shaved fennel; House butter; Roast foie gras - rhubarb, confit kombu and crab biscuit; Mad Hatter's Tea Party (c.1892) - mock turtle soup, pocket watch and toast sandwich; "Sound of the Sea" raw fish, ‘sea foam’ and ‘edible sand’; Salmon poached in liquorice gel - artichokes, vanilla mayonnaise golden trout roe; Lamb with cucumber (c. 1805) green pepper and caviar oil; Hot and Iced Tea; Eggs in Verjus (c.1726), verjus in egg (c.2013); Botrytis cinerea - flavours associated with wines produced from fungus-affected grapes; Whisk(e)y wine gums - on map of Scotland were wine gums, each sweet but with flavour of whiskey; "Like a Kid in a Sweet Shop"; and Chocolate biscuit queen of hearts she made some tarts.
Love it!!! We travelled over from Melbourne, it was a wedding gift. The food was amazing, service even better & a drinks list that went on and on!
We were so lucky to get in. We really enjoyed lunch, it went for 4.5hrs. If your coming from London it's an easier time to get there and around. A cab is around 60£ if you pre book it or the train is just as good and slot cheaper. Defiantly a once in a life time experience!
Fantastic. We really enjoyed our meal at the Fat Duck, it was certainly the most expensive meal we've ever had, and was easily the best meal we'll probably ever have. Degusatation and wine were fantastically matched, and the service was excellent, the only issue being heavy accents which made it difficult to understand what the meal was as they were describing it. Otherwise nothing to complain about, great location and would love to go back one day
Loved It!. We booked our special dining experience from Australia. It did not disappoint!!!!!!!
Really really nice.. Great restaurant but the food was a bit wacky for me. Did enjoy the night out though.
What can I say. Very Nice. Food very different. Great experience. Great food. Not sure if I would go back if I had to pay the bill....
Would recommend to anyone to try atleast once.
GG
Fat duck = awesome. Having to hit re-dial 42 times, then wait on hold for over 10 minutes to speak to a booking assistant was totally worth the effort.
Everything about our meal and the whole dining experience was exquisite. All the staff were knowledgeable and friendly and though there were many of them, we never felt them to be TOO visible, yet they were always there when we needed something.
Each course was a delight and I sat there thinking that never before in my life had I so desperately wanted to lick all the plates and it also never having been so more inappropriate.
It's not a place I would go frequently - not just because of the price (£600 for two, including a glass of champagne to begin, a wine pairing with each course, tea & cognac to finish), but also because I think some of the shine would have gone if the menu was the same the second time around.
I think we'll wait until next year and go again if the menu changes.
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Down the Rabbit hole at the fat duck. During our stay in London, we had the most wonderful opportunity to eat at the "Fat Duck". Jonathan had to make the reservation 2 months in advance, getting up at 3:30 am Colorado time to call the restaurant when they opened. It was well worth it.
We had to go to Paddington Station to get a ticket for the train to Bray where the restaurant is located. What a busy, bustling place Paddington is! We arrived in Bray, and had to take a taxi to the restauant. Talk about a drive. Small winding roads that seem to lead to nowhere, when finally we come upon a non-descript place where inside a fiesta of flavors was about to begin!
There were probably 12 tables in all. A small but lovely little place. A fireplace near the front door. A staircase leading to the restrooms. We could see through the kitchen from where we sat. The magic was about to begin.
Our first course was "Lime Grove". Nitro poached green tea and lime mousse.
Jonathan: Right after they placed down the food they sprayed a small mister above our heads that had the smell of lime this was our introduction to the showmanship and food the Fat Duck is famous for.
Barb: This was meant to be eaten in one bite and melt in your mouth, but I just couldn't shove the whole thing in my mouth!
Next on the menu was "Red Cabbage Gazpacho". Prommery grain mustard ice cream.
Barb: I am not a big fan of mustard, but pleasantly surprised to like this.
Jonathan: Ok the only thing I could think of was cabbage and ice cream mmm well okay, but after my first taste I was sold it was a great dish.
Next up: "Jelly of Quail, Crayfish Cream". Chicken liver parfait, oak moss and truffle toast.
Jonathan: Here another bit of theater took place they poared hot water onto a moss coated container and a steam arose that put out a smell that reminded you of being out in the woods. To top that off before you took a bite of your food they asked you to put in this little thin strip breath mint that had the strangest taste if I had to describe it, I would call it a woodsey oak flavor.
The food itself I thought was very good when we started it but as you ate more and more it became too rich then just to much. Some flavors are best in moderation.
It was followed by "Roast Foie Gras". Cherry puree, braised Konbu and crab biscuit.
Barb: We had our first experience of Foie Gras at Per Se in NYC and have enjoyed it ever since.
Next was "Mock Turtle Soup" - Mad Hatter Tea.
Barb: This was an incredible presentation. Inside the cup, there looked to be a gold pocket watch or locket. Once the water was poured in, it dissolved into a tea with gold leaf.
Jonathan: Inside the bowl you poured the broth into looked to be little mushrooms and such but they were not, I am not sure how they constructed this little thing but it was just way cool.
Next up was "Sound of the Sea".
Barb: Now this, was an amazing course. You recived the dish, which looked like a beach scene. Sea foam rising off what looked like sand. You were given a shell and inside the shell was a small Ipod and earphones. You inserted the earphones and listened to the sound of the sea as you ate, enhancing the experience. The fish was delicious and the "sand" was not sand at all.
Jonathan: the sand was tapioca and all in all this dish was probably the most incredibly constructed dish I have ever experienced. Really the meal so far has been so far over the top presentation it left you with the feeling you were at a theater not a restaurant.
The next course was "Salmon Poached in Liquorice". Artichokes, vanilla mayonnaise, trout roe and Manni olive oil.
Jonathan: The flavors here were very strong and so odd to get a strong liquorice flavor with fish to this day I am not sure about my feelings on this one.
At this point, you don't think you can eat anymore, but there are still several courses to go.
Next course: "Powdered Anjou Pigeon". Blood pudding and Confit of Umbles.
Jonathan: BLOOD PUDDING......RUN...well that was my first thought but just as in another restaurant we tried pickeled herring I went ahead and gave it a go and you know all in all it was pretty darn good.
Next up was "Taffety Tart". Carmelized apple, fennel, rose and candied lemon.
Jonathan: And the deserts begin mmmm and this was a great start with a interesting that seemed both light and gummy at the same time.
The next course was very interesting as well. "The Not-So-Full English Breakfast". Parsnip cereal, nitro-scrambled egg and bacon ice cream, with Hot and Iced Tea.
Barb: Oh my! This course was a delight in presentation and taste. You recieved a box of Parsnip cereal which was really good. Then the server began preparing the nitro-scrambled egg. This was showmanship at it's best. He told a tale while he cooked the egg.
Jonathan: The story the man told was about chickens that have been fed on bacon to give there eggs a bacon like taste, the he proceeded to crack open the egg and add the liquid nitrogen table side and out came this wonderfull ice cream that looked like scrambled eggs and yes had a light bacon taste, and even though even I a true bacon lover was thinking (bacon ice cream that just may be too much) it turned out to be fantastic
Barb: This was served with a Hot and Iced Tea drink that was simply mind-boggling as when you sipped it, you tasted both hot and cold. It was a mind teaser and it was delicious.
Jonathan: Ok this was just wrong and I kept sipping at it how the heck can something taste piping hot when it enters your mouth but the time you swallow it feels as cold as a slushie. If any one knows how he does this trick please let me know.
Just when you thought it would never end, out came "Chocolate Wine Slush" with Millionaire shortbread.
Jonathan: First a tea that turned out to be as cold as a slushie, then a slushie that tasted like chocolate at this point my taste buds were confused as all heck but happy :)
A picture frame was then given to us which contained "Wine Gums" laying out the Historic trade routes of Britain. There were 5 different gums that tasted like Mead, Cognac, Madeira, Sherry and Rum. Yum!
Last, but not least we received a little goody bag from the "Sweet Shop" and was sent on our way. Also included was a sealed envelope with the menu. Sated and happy to experience one of the best restaurants in the world.
Jonathan: All in all I would say this was the most entertaining meal I have had and probably engaged more of my senses at one time then anything ever has, but as far as taste it was in the top 10 but was not as good as say Per Se but so very worth the experience.
If you would like feel free to stop by our blog at milehigheater.com
What an experience.. Food 8.5/10, Service 5/5, Ambience 5/5, TOTAL - 18.5/20.The best dining experience and something that you will remember for years to come. Heston is definitely a magician when its comes to food. It's not just taste, but smell and sound. The Foie Gras was the best dish, full of rich flavours. Didn't like the snail porridge or the whiskey gums, but everything else was excellent. Well worth it!
For all the fame...you'll need a fortune. I took a customer there for dinner there in Feb...and we went for the 'experience' which it certainly is. Only option was the tasting menu, however they were more than happy to substitute any course for something more paletable. Each couse was stunningly prepared, presented and described. The signature liquid nitrogen used extensively where possible to great theatrical effect. Some of it was OTT (fish and chips served on a bed of edible sand, to be eaten whilst listening to the sounds of the seaside via an iPod hidden in a shell). The flight of accompanying wine was well chosen, but at an entry point of £90/head - steep! (went to £800). Overall a case of been there done it, I wouldn't do it again with personal or expenses - our bill for 6 people with wine was an eye watering £2750, not a typo!!!
A culinary experience for all your senses. More theatre than restaurant. Food was fantastic as was the service. Thoroughly recommended.
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Sell your Limbs, Sell Stuff.....just go and be a child again. After numerous attempts to get a reservation, we were booked. The excitement rises, will it be a good as one hopes? Will it be stuffy? It is after all one of the top 3 eateries in the world.
I've just read my thoughts, yes it may be jumbled, yes it may be random, but's true and heartfelt.
A meal may cost the same as a weekend away, but you'll remember your visit to The Fat Duck longer than that drizzly weekend wandering round looking for somewhere to spend 2 hours and not get fleeced on tourist priced food.
It's tasting menu only, why would you have chosen anything else anyway? It's all about the experience and the wonderful tastes.
There is theatre, there are the most Invisibly perfectly attentively subtle front of house team.
It's great, we sat down just after 12 and left about 5:45 and didn't notice a minute passing, it's about relaxed dining, you're not judged by your clothes, there's no dresscode. The booking system is democratic, you need to get on the phone and keep dialing.
if you love the enjoyment of experiencing things for the 1st time, if you love food, if you love our inner child, just go......
One has to question if 254 people vote on the experience and only 4 people wrote a review....did the 250 people really go?
I went, I have the credit card bill and I consider the experience to be 100 times better than a visit to many places that cost me only 1/5th of this joyous meal....
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A Magical Evening. After many, many months of sitting on the phone on a Monday morning trying to get a weekend dinner table, it finally happened. The next 2 months were of increasing excitement, offset by a definite concern it may all be a let down. I needn't have worried!
From the time the six of us arrived to the time we left (completely unhurried at 1 20am!) it was an evening of joie de vivre. The food was very good, occasionally really exceptional but the overall theatre of the evening meant that 4 1/2 hours flew by. If only all meals out were this good.
The highlights of the meal, for me, were the "Mock Turtle Soup' with the dissolving fob watch; the Homage to Alain Chapel with the divine combination of textures, flavours & smells (although occasional things such as the truffled toast were a little lost); the Sound of the Sea, which stood alone as a truly beautiful dish without the fun of the 'iShells'; and the powdered pigeon which almost dissolved on the tongue.
The ambience is just right, the waiting staff utterly friendly and light-hearted and whose exact knowledge of each dish was remarkable: to those who think it is rote learnt, one of the junior waiters when asked to further explain an ingredient spoke as if the mouthpiece of Monsieur Blumenthal!
Expensive? In absolute terms, yes but not stupid. In relative terms for 4 hours of entertainment, barely, and in terms of how long this evening will remain in our collective memories compared with many £50 meals, cheap-as-chips!
I suspect after a bit of saving to the piggy bank, a few more Monday mornings will be spent on the phone!
I have eaten in many of the worlds finest restaurants including and whilst I have eaten amazing dishes in nearly all of them, the Fat Duck stands out because if the overall experience. This relaxed and unstuffy restaurant holds many surprises. The most fun and adventure I have ever had at the table. Mr Blumenthal will take you on a journey that encompasses a food past, present and future. Can't wait to go back.
Gastronomic Paradise (but check where you are seated). This is a real adventure that not only presents food at its very best, but also a full sensory experience that is quite unlike anything you are likely to find elsewhere in the UK. The menu is legendary, its execution excellent with presentation and service to match. Yes it is expensive, but so are many other restaurants where the menu is predictable - having read the reviews the Fat Duck still had the ability to surprise and excite. My only criticism is do not allow yourself to be sat under the stairs, for one of the world's best restaurants the least you can expect is a table that offers you space without compromise and the occasional interruption as other customers go up and down the stairs to use the washrooms. We complained, were eventually moved (half way through the meal) but had little genuine response to a subsequent letter to the management team - a sad taint on an otherwise fantastic evening.
“Precision planning was required to fulfill one of our life’s goals – ‘The Fat Duck experience’. As soon as the bookings were open, exactly two months prior to our trip, it was multiple internet browser spamming time. We were extremely lucky to obtain the lunch booking, one Friday afternoon in December. Heston is renowned globally for his theatrical experience dining. What a fabulous experience it was. Note: Please note that there are food spoilers below. Half the fun for us was not knowing what was coming next…”
Having lost favor on certain lists since being named “Best Restaurant in the World” in 2005 but still thrilling a packed house for every single service as reservations fill mere seconds into the two-month advanced booking window it was with high expectations that I traveled to Bray in the passenger seat of a fellow
Through the unusual pairing of interesting ingredients and emphasis on sensual eating, The Fat Duck transports you to a journey of culinary escapism. It challenges your senses. It shocks, but at the same time also manages to breed a s
I really can’t over emphasis just how good this meal was. It’s certainly an experience, with flavours and sensations that simply cannot, and will not be created by anyone else at any other restaurant. There was no pretension either, just excellent service and a genuine desire by all working there to ensure that you were enjoying your food; and more importantly, enjoying the experience.
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While the concept may be as sharply set-out as a Peter Jackson movie, there is no room for error with the scenario. Knowing the amount of work that has gone in to creating the dishes creates a feeling of respect and satisfaction even before you’ve sat sat down. Despite this, it’s the gimmicky courses which are often the less interesting from a taste point of view, compared to the more traditional dishes. Though without a doubt, the plating is always impeccable with little touches, aromas and textures. But forget the “Sound of the Sea” and the “Tea Party”, as although they are nice, they don’t have great amounts of flavour, and amount to little more than a play on words. As far as we are concerned, it’s better to focus on the dishes that are done to divine effect. The snail porridge is an absolute winner. Certainly the least complicated dish of the tour – made up of an impressively balanced emulsion of parsley and coriander. The quality of the snails is undoubtale and the cooking is perfection. A stand out dish for sure. Also, the pan-fried foie gras topped with a crab caramel “tuile” is stunningly balanced with the goji berry (described as a “barbary”) purée. A sumptuous piece of cooking and flavour combinations, which is 3*** in all aspects. The tarty purée, sweetness of the sugar and buttery melting foie gras is gimmick free, full of flavour and textures. Though there is one gimmick that does stand-out. Shaped like an egg, the colour of an egg, with the outer texture of an e
Heston Blumenthal and his flagship restaurant, The Fat Duck. In a way, this post may be the epitome of shamless pandering to my reader base. After all, any avid foodie surely is familiar with a man of Heston's fame; a restaurant of The Fat Duck's reputation. In that sense, what could be known, has already been told a thousand times.
The restaurant is very unimposing from the outside and looks almost like one of the other houses on the street, inside it is smart but less stylish than I’d imagined. With it’s low hanging wooden beams and white walls filled with modern art pieces it feels more cosy & intimate than your usual 3 star restaurant. We were taken to our table where the Tasting Menu was explained to us and we were given a huge Harry Potter spell book style wine menu to browse.
This was the best dish of them all. I could write a whole chapter about this dish…but let me just paraphrase it by saying: simply amazing!
Picture this, our waiter comes with a bowl filled with liquid nitrogen. The smoke and freshness fill the air. From a nozzle, he squeezes a fragile ball of foam and dips it into the bubbling liquid. He pulls it out and asks us what flavour we would like; vodka and lime sour, gin and tonic or campari soda. I had the original flavour, the Vokda Lime. He then dusts off the ball with green power from a muslin pouch and hands us the spoon. It has to been eaten whole. One at a time, we pop it in as the others watch in anticipation. Once it hits your mouth, the heat makes it vanish and citrus notes fills your mouth and nose, even coming out of you
All you need to know is, it was fantastic, a meal that is as theatrical as it is delicious, and a level of cooking that I doubt could be topped. If you would like to read more about it then check out the article in Manchester Confidential.
A rich combination of smokey, cheesy, buttery, soft, sweet amazing wow.
The unbeatable tasting menu won't refresh anytime soon but it already has the most innovative and playful dishes to date. The experience can only be fully embraced if you try it yourself.
And finally, as you make your way out of wonderland and into reality, a little something to make that transition easier.
The roast foie gras with barberry, braised kombu and crab biscuit was a moolicious combination of tastes and textures. They spritzed citrus above us, complimenting the slightly sweet and acidic barberry compote. The crab biscuit was flavorful, the thin slices of kombu were unobtrusive, the foie gras was roasted to perfect as it melted in my mouth and was very mild tasting, despite the richness that the barberry helped to cut through.
None of the dishes here ever came at the expense of flavour, and the surprising warmth of the place had Mum and I smiling and giggling throughout the whole thing. There's none of the stuffiness you often find at less impressive restaurants elsewhere.
The menu consists of 13 courses with recipes dating as far back as 1660. The first course is lime grove, second is red cabbage gazpacho, third is jelly of quail with crayfish cream, and forth is roast foie gras. The fifth course knocked my socks off, mock turtle soup (1850): hot water pours over a gold watch made of edible gold leaf which dissolves into a delicious savory consommé, swirling with flecks of gold. I pour this into a large white bowl consisting of sous-vide terrine of ox tongue compressed with slices of lardo (a type of Italian salumi) and a mock turtle egg made of a puree of turnip with little enoki mushrooms, pickled cucumber, truffles, and brunoise (finely diced turnips , leeks, and carrots). The sixth course is the famous sounds of the sea where a conch shell plays sounds of the sea while you feast on clams, cockles, abalone, seaweed, and even the sand which is made with tapioca but tastes like popcorn. Seventh is salmon poached in liquorice, eighth is a powdered Anjou
Simple question: Was it worth it? Simple answer: Yes (and then some.) “My review?” Taking into account the fact that I had not started this blog and didn’t take any notes, there is nothing I can add that has not been written thousands of times before… except: “Believe the hype!”
In fact, it is not a meal you can't call it that. It is literally the most exciting, theatrical, mind blowing food journey of all time. I really hope that I was able to relay the magic, but if you can you should really try and experience this for yourself.
The room is minimalist in style and the food is excellent with very over the top presentation.
Whilst it was expensive, it really was a wonderful experience. Easily the most enjoyable meal I’ve had in my life. We started with Champagne (as you do) and there was also fresh olives on the table to nibble on.
The Pondering Gourmet
+4.5
...And so the magic began. Before your very eyes liquid nitrogen is used to create a dome of mousse with a green tea dusting.
I know friends who have all tried and largely failed for days, weeks and months to book a table at The Fat Duck and after hearing about their trails and tribulations I made a decision that I wouldn’t put myself through the pain.
Ninth course: Botrytis Cinerea. A new Fat Duck dessert that has been on the menu since October 2012. The various elements of this dessert represent the (deconstructed) flavours of Chateau d'Yquem. Each 'grape' on the plate had a different texture and flavour, from simple and elegant to very intense and complex. I will mention only a few: a transparent blown sugar grape with a delicious creamy citrus fromage blanc filling - a milk chocolate grape with an
Well, as you can probably tell, it lived up to even my incredibly high expectations, even though I’d slavishly researched every course it still managed to delight and surprise me and it took me about half a year to save for I can honestly tell you it was worth every penny of that hard earned cash.
A couple weeks ago was my birthday and as a present for myself I decided to book a table at one of the world’s best restaurants and three Michelin stars The Fat Duck . Finally I was going to be able to try the creativity and vanguard cuisine of Heston Blumenthal. Not an easy task to get the table, a rolling reservation with three months in advance (now it’s only two) and it becomes sold out as far as they open the bookings at 10am each day.
A significant moment happened in foodie folklore last month. The San Pellegrino List of the world's top 50 restaurants was announced. It is not a publicly voted award like the Drum Media awards (arguably) or even based on popularity and sales like the ARI
The two month anticipation was painful to say the least and after much ogling at other blog posts and various outfit attempts, the big day arrived. I woke up early because yes, this is what I do when I’m excited to eat. Our strategy was to catch a train d
I have been in two minds whether to even mention this, but in the interest of readers who have not yet been to The Fat Duck and are seriously considering going, I will spend a few paragraphs on the matter of securing a reservation at this temple of new Br
Firstly a disclaimer: we ate this meal over a year ago before I started writing reviews and the PigPig got her little hands on a DSLR, so the menu has changed (a bit) and it may not be entirely accurate (but I do try to make sure it’s as best as I remembe
As a birthday present Thomas took me for lunch at Heston's Blumenthal's three Michellin star restaurant in Bray. On one of the hottest days of the year we set off from London Paddington eager to see whether the food at one of the world's best eateries rea
The Fat Duck is Britain's most famous restaurant, widely regarded as one of the best in the world. Its owner is the indomitable Heston Blumenthal. A pioneer of the very cutting edge of gastronomy and a name synonymous with perfection. Last weekend, I ate
Heston Blumenthal is the chef-owner of the legendary Fat Duck restaurant. He is known as a molecular gastronomy culinary alchemist with an imaginative sense of food. He is always refining his recipes, inventing new creations, and trying to enhance the din
What must it be like, I wonder, being told you're the best in the world? Or rather, what must it be like to believe it? It has to be a somewhat surreal experience for the staff at the Fat Duck, as they polish the cutlery and vacuum the carpets and shake d
All in all I would say this was the most entertaining meal I have had
One of a kind! If you are looking to have a unique experience then I couldn’t recommend more.
Let me start with how amazing the staff are and extremely knowledgeable about the food and customers! Accidentally swapped my pocket cash money with my partner to spend at the sweet shop and they new those sweets weren’t mine!
The food, the different textures the combination of flavours and the way the food is presented was unreal. I recommend paring with the wine tasting to elevate the experience! It’s worth every penny.
My favourites dish was the sounds of the sea. It brought me wonderful memories of where I grew up as a child. But every single course was unique and delicious.
Thank you to all the staff, would have been amazing to see Heston!
If your only consideration is the price then you are missing the point. Its not just about the food which is excellent, its not just about the service which is exceptional. This is about the experience. It lasts about 4 hours and they take you on a journey to discover how your senses can enhance your experience. It's one of the best meals I have ever had. If you only treat yourself on a special occasion then this is the place to do it. cant recommend this enough. Don't hesitate get booked and be good to yourself.
Well! What a place! I’ve been fortunate enough to dine in some exceptional restaurants around the world and nothing about The Fat Duck was like anything I’d experienced before. The menu “Sensorium” genuinely provided unique dish after dish and tastes that were a whole new experience. I won’t talk about the menu or individual plates because that should be a personal experience and one that guests should make their own judgment on but I will say we thoroughly enjoyed them all. The wine pairing was very well selected with some Japanese influence. Dishes are served with tricks & surprises and quite often not what they first seem. The service was exceptional, perfectly timed and never too overbearing. Just enough time between plates and never left wondering when the next would arrive. We will go back when there a new menu. One of the best restaurants you’ll ever eat at. Spoiler/heads up. Two guests should be prepared to spend over £1000 if paired with even the standard wine pairing.
The food was incredible. Mine was dairy and gluten-free, and I did not feel left out at all. The staff were kind enough to present me with a birthday card too. I felt really special.
The meal took over four hours and waiting half an hour before our last course was too much for me.
The toilets were amazing lol, they automatically opened, closed, and flushed. The toilet seat was warm! I could have sat there for ages, lol.
I would like to reiterate how outstanding the food was. I didn't like all of it, but it was definitely an experience and one I enjoyed.
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Dining at The Fat Duck was an extraordinary and memorable experience that fulfilled a long-held dream. Heston Blumenthal, whose culinary innovations have always inspired me, brought his imaginative genius to life in this remarkable establishment. As someone living on the other side of the world in Australia, the journey to Maidenhead, England, where The Fat Duck is located, was an adventure in itself.
The restaurant's three Michelin stars and its place on the list of the world's best restaurants certainly raised my expectations, but The Fat Duck exceeded them in every way. The effort we put into traveling 24 hours to London and then hiking for half an hour from Maidenhead station was more than worth it.
What struck me most about The Fat Duck was the meticulous thought and creativity behind each dish. It was evident that every element of the dining experience had been carefully curated. From the outset, they engaged us with card games that encouraged interaction among the guests, setting a playful and convivial tone. The presentations of each dish were like mini theatrical performances, leaving us in awe and anticipation.
One aspect that truly set The Fat Duck apart was its emphasis on sensory exploration. They challenged the notion that what you eat is always what you see, encouraging diners to engage with their food on a deeper level, using every tastebud to savor the intricate flavors and textures. This made the dining experience not just a meal but a true culinary adventure.
Towards the end of the meal, we were presented with chocolates and candies that were uniquely designed, a reflection of the card games we had played at the beginning of the dinner. These sweet treats were delightful, showcasing Heston's trademark unpredictability and whimsy.
In conclusion, dining at The Fat Duck was a dream come true, thanks to my husband's thoughtful birthday gift and Heston Blumenthal's culinary mastery. It was a gastronomic journey filled with surprises, sensory delights, and unforgettable moments, making it an experience that will forever hold a special place in my heart.
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Incredible experience that tests the senses and leaves an indelible memory - while tapping into your memories and associations. This experience is not for everyone but for us it was some of the best 4 hours of entertainment with a perfect meal included.
The 10 or so courses circled the globe, different environments and every imaginable flavour and smell. From a nitroaperitif of gin and tonic to unreal presentation of seafood on a panko beach complete with sea foam and the sounds of the beach and ocean to our favourite fish called Jelly of Quail which is hard to explain … followed by a wine cellar tour that had you tasting a wine and then tasting again while senses are stimulated by opera and strobe lights - and noticing wild differences from the same wine … and of course experiencing Heston’s playfulness with ingredients and plating; including a summer picnic sandwich which was strawberry (and cucumber)!cake and a block of blue cheese which wasn’t but was somehow.
The dishes were delicious and the wine pairing perfect. Even the bread, a smoky crusty and still moist and dense sour dough was probably the best we have tasted - and we are spoiled for bakeries here in Tokyo.
An amazing 4+ hour dining experience with great service and atmosphere
P.S. I just read through some of the reviews and wanted to add some additional thoughts on this type of dining experience and reviewers who say it’s too expensive. To create this experience and put on this type of event is closer to a concert or theater. I counted more staff than customers and this doesn’t mean they are inefficient but they are mastering something across something like 10+ complex and unique courses. On top of this the ingredients and care taken in preparation and experimentation provides a quality you will not find elsewhere. But most important is one’s own belief in value. We live in a world where we think it’s fine to wear $200 or more running shoes as daily wear that took less than ＄20 to make - including materials, low cost country wages and plant/machinery or carry a $2000 purse that costs even less. More effort, care, skill, creativity and quality is put on these plates than any other meal you might ever experience - let alone some luxury brand hoodie. It’s not for everyone and it’s not everyday. Absolutely, one can enjoy an amazing meal for a lot cheaper like you can enjoy a street performer. But sometimes it’s worth taking in what the Royal Ballet or Broadway or a 3-Michelin star chef can deliver.
We had an incredible experience over a year ago, visiting for one of their anthology menus. The food was utterly insane! So many complex flavours and perfectly balanced dishes. Honestly the best meal we'd ever had!
Delicious food and a wonderful experience. Food items were unique both in their flavor and presentation. Listening to the ocean while eating seafood was a magical experience. Curated, unique, and very interesting. Just wish it was a little closer to London haha.
Prices are on the higher compared to other 3 Michelin star restaurants in London, but worth every penny. Food was mind blowingly good, there were the classic dishes such as "sound of the sea" and "like a kid in the sweetshop" as well as new innovative dishes such as "langostine and shitake" and "Sake". Service was impeccable, waitstaff were extremely attentive and engaging, cracking jokes to break the ice. Everyone in that lunch service got an equal opportunity to tour the cellar and had a complimentary glass of wine/mock tail. The dining area one might argue was abit dated. But I felt was quaint and cosy.
Would love to come back here to celebrate another special occasion!
Spent 5 hours here but it seemed to go so quickly. Service is outstanding, food is innovative and exceptional, atmosphere is superb. Everything a 3* Michelin establishment should be. Pricey but it's an experience, not a meal and should be viewed as such. Not stuffy and uncomfortable, you can actually have a laugh with the team, you can tell they've been employed because they are confident and extravert as well as extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the food and restaurant.
Faultless experience.
Magical food and highly attentive service. Food theatre at its finest - some of the menu brought out the best memories of childhood. The level of detail and depth to some of the dishes was incredible. Cheese and grapes was my personal favourite. We paired with the non-alcoholic beverages which were fun.
Wonderful dining experience. Relaxed atmosphere. Lots to keep you entertained for 3.5 hrs! Our story teller Josh was fantastic. He was attentive and knew all about the dishes. Wish there was another meat dish as was fish heavy. Would definitely recommend for a special occasion.
This wasn't just a fabulous meal although it was that too, it was also an incredible culinary experience. The staff explained every course, it's concept and ingredients to make it all the more enjoyable. To top it all off we were invited to see the kitchen in full swing. Yes, it is expensive but even if you only go once in your lifetime you have to do it. Put a visit to The Fat Duck on your bucket list!
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Took my other half here for a special birthday last month, well worth it. Right from the start the experience was great, greeted outside and entered in to an area closed off from the restaurant before being taken to our table. The atmosphere is quite cosy but the tables are nicely spaced apart, watch out for the beams if you are tall! All of the staff were really friendly and knowledgeable, but not at all pretentious. We spent over 3 hours here, but the time flew past. Reading the guide book between each course was great to find out some additional information about the dishes. Plus, the staff were great at answering any additional questions. Some of the courses were interactive and obviously not everything was what it seemed. All the food was amazing, but it can only reach a certain level, so it was the experience as a whole (& the staff) that really made it. Yes it's expensive, but we both thoroughly enjoyed our evening in every aspect, well worth it for a special occasion. p.s. visit the toilets!
There are not enough feelings to describe how wonderful the anthology meal at the Fat Duck was. Art meets Magic meets whimsy. Every dish was better than the previous dish. The taste buds were taken on a sensory tour. The meal got super modern and then turned traditional which is a perfect balance. Every element of every plate made sense. EAT HERE, EAT HERE, this place is just simply and absolutely amazing.
The meal of a lifetime! We had an incredible evening here with fantastic food and utterly flawless, friendly, humorous service.
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