The Fat Duck

[Rawns]

Has anyone eaten at Heston Blumenthal's restaurant 'The Fat Duck' before? It's my 30th birthday in March and am really tempted to go there for a once off eating experience. The only thing putting me off is the cost! Would be interested to know if anyone's experienced his menu there.

I believe @nephilim is a bit of a foodie? Maybe you've been?

[nephilim]

Went ONCE many years ago just after it got its 3 stars...

You need to book like 3 months in advance or something nowadays as it is deemed in the top 2 in the world (There is also another restaurant in Bray that is 3 star and in the top 5 in the world).

I did the 17 course sample menu, and can say it was lovely if not wierd.

[Rawns]

I thought you were the best person to ask!

I just love his cooking style! Half cooking, half science! It's simply amazing stuff and would really love to try his sampler menu. The food looks amazing and so unique!

[nephilim]

be warned, the tasting menu was £180 per person!

Also, it takes about 3 hours to get through!

[glennda]

This is supposed to be really good - won the Gordon Ramseys Best Restaurant and is along similar lines to Heston

Seasons.Casamia - Bristol

[elsiegee40]

I'll confess to being a foodie who has eaten at the Fat Duck, the Waterside Inn (just round the corner from the Fat Duck) and the Manoir au Quat'Saisons amongst others. The three I mention were outstanding and the experience at the Fat Duck is unforgettable.

Personally, I prefer the Waterside Inn's calm, smooth service, but if you're out for an adventure it has to be Heston!

[Rawns]

be warned, the tasting menu was £180 per person!

I've seen the price and details on the website - that's the off-putting part of it. It's a LOT of money for one dinner, but I'd see it as a one in a lifetime experience. Never eaten anywhere or anything like it ... maybe it's just me trying to mentally justify it!

Also saw in slightly faded text the 12.5% "optional" service charge automatically added to your bill. Not a bad tip for a bill that could easily come to £500+!

[elsiegee40]

For my 40th we stayed at The Waterside Inn and ate there in the evening. It was fantastic... expensive... but fantastic!

[Heebeejeebee]

To be fair £180 isn't that much when compared to a lot of the other top restuarants. I know someone who went to one of Jamie's places with three other people and the bill was in excess of £1,500.

I've promised myself a trip to The Fat Duck for years now but would need to take three others with me (). The wine lists in these places are well pricey so beware (usually £50+ per glass).

Do it and justify it as a once in a lifetime experience.

HBJB

[elsiegee40]

The Fat Duck has its wine list on the website with bottles from £30.

Alternatively you can have wine selection that goes with the tasting menu. I can't remember how much that was. They bring you a glass appropriate to the course... not for drivers!

[elsiegee40]

Both pubs in Bray - The Hinds Head and The Crown - are owned and run by Heston too ... a slightly cheaper opportunity!