Fat Duck
Bray, United Kingdom
⭐3 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
For three decades, Heston Blumenthal has been blazing his own idiosyncratic trail at this iconic restaurant, where emotions and memories play a vital role in the enjoyment of the cooking. The dishes bear all the Heston hallmarks: innovative, playful and multi-sensory – epitomised by dishes like 'Off to the Land of Nod', a nostalgic dessert involving Horlicks, an eye mask and edible 'pillows'. Crucially, for all its originality, the cooking also showcases harmonious and utterly delicious flavours and textures. Charming, interactive service heightens the experience.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
- Multi-Sensory Dining Experience: The Fat Duck offers a unique dining experience with dishes like "The Sound of the Sea," which includes an audio element of crashing waves to enhance the sensory experience.
- Innovative Use of Liquid Nitrogen: The restaurant is known for its use of liquid nitrogen in dishes such as the nitro-poached aperitif, showcasing Blumenthal's pioneering techniques.
- Alice in Wonderland-Inspired Mock Turtle Soup: This dish features a bouillon packet designed to resemble a fob watch, which dissolves in tea, adding a whimsical touch to the meal.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
- Joselito Ham: Featured in the Snail Porridge, this Spanish cured ham adds a salty, savory flavor to the dish, complementing the snails and parsley sauce.
- Pommery Grain Mustard: Used in the Pommery Grain Mustard Ice Cream, this ingredient provides a spicy and unique flavor profile, often paired with cucumbers and red cabbage.
- Cucumbers: Often used in dishes like the Jelly of Quail, Crayfish Cream, cucumbers add freshness and are sometimes seared with caraway seeds to enhance their flavor.
- Eggs: Utilized in the Nitro-Scrambled Egg and Bacon Ice Cream, eggs are transformed into a creamy, cold dessert using liquid nitrogen.
- Duck: The restaurant's namesake, duck is a highlight in dishes like the roasted duck, served with its own blood and crispy heart, showcasing its rich flavor and texture.
Menu & Pricing
Current Offerings & Prices
The Fat Duck, Bray - Current Menu Options and Prices
1. Marvellously Mysterious Menu
- Type: Mystery 4-course menu
- Price: £150 per person
- Description: A completely surprise menu where diners do not know what they will be served until seated. This immersive experience is designed for parties of 4 to 6 diners and offers a unique three-star gastronomic adventure.
- Availability: Launched September 30, 2024, booking details shared via social media and newsletters only.
2. The Full Sensorium (Flagship Tasting Menu)
- Type: Signature tasting menu
- Price: £295 to £395 per person (including VAT)
- Description: An extensive multi-sensory tasting menu with approximately 11 courses showcasing Heston Blumenthal’s culinary innovations, including iconic dishes like “Sound of the Sea.” This menu offers a comprehensive exploration of the restaurant’s philosophy and creativity.
- Duration: Around five hours
- Notes: Premium pricing reflects the unique, immersive dining experience.
3. Sensorium Select (Shorter Tasting Menu)
- Type: Abbreviated tasting menu
- Price: £225 per person
- Description: A condensed version of The Full Sensorium with about 8 courses, capturing the creative core of the full tasting menu. It offers a taster experience of The Fat Duck’s signature dishes and innovative approach, designed for those seeking a shorter dining session without compromising quality.
- Availability: Offered as a reduced-price alternative, notably available in January and February 2024, but may be ongoing as a more accessible option.
Notes on A La Carte and Seasonal Menus
- No specific a la carte menu options or prices were found in the current information.
- No detailed seasonal menus or their prices were explicitly mentioned beyond the mystery and tasting menus.
Summary Table
| Menu Name | Courses | Price (GBP) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marvellously Mysterious | 4 | £150 | Surprise menu, dishes revealed only when seated, for 4-6 diners |
| The Full Sensorium | ~11 | £295-£395 | Signature tasting menu, multi-sensory, iconic dishes like “Sound of the Sea” |
| Sensorium Select | ~8 | £225 | Shorter tasting menu, curated selection of key dishes, more accessible |
Sources: