The Fat Duck - anyone eaten there?

[surprise]

Thinking about something to do as 40th birthday treat, and Heston Blumenthal's restaurant was one suggestion. Is it worth the dosh?

I dont know how you would define value for money as there was lots I didnt like but it was a really good experience.

the taster menu is just mad, loads of courses like licquorice ice cream etc. For me it was about the whole experience. It was very relaxed and people were looking at other tables food and some where even taking photos as the waiters make quite a show of presenting some of the dishes.

Good fun, but you might want to do a drive through takeaway on the way home

Go to Manoir Quat Saisons,you will not be disappointed.
Havent been to Fat Duck

NQC went there for her birthday last year and really thought it was great. From a safe distance I remain unconvinced, I think the man is barking.
But I am more of a Raymond Blanc sort of gal anyway...

You are right Manoir Quat Saisons is lovely.

The Oxo Tower is also very nice at xmas, the view is fantastic with all the xmas lights on.

The Fat Duck does have a "normal" menu though. I have never tasted chicken and mash like it!

I went to teh fat Duck armed with a small dose of scepticism and loved it. Don;t expect a "meal" go for the experience. I'd wholly recommend the taster menu - it's just packed with the most amazing sensations and tastes - that you simply don;t get anywhere else. tea that is both hot and cold; meringue cooked in nitrogen; oyster in passion fruit jelly. all of it is incredible. and I was full to brimming by the end. The staff are brilliant, not a touch of snobbery about the place. If you want a really really good meal go the Manoir, if you want to something really fun that will totally stand out in your memory, go to the Fat Duck

personally I wouldn't go to the Fat Duck if you want a "normal" menu - it's not what the place is about.

I was going to take dh there for his b'day but as it's not a special b'dy and it's effing expensive we're going to River Cottage HQ ,it's only £50/person.

Would love to go to fat duck though,dh loves watching heston....I think he's barking

I agree it is bloody expensiev and I wouldn;t necessarily go back - not unless he totally chanegs the taster menu. It's not somewhere to become a regular. it's a real one off.

Ooh it sounds right up myh street. I love anywhere a bit odd and relaxed (not good at dressing for dinner). Think it might be worth it for the experience. both dp and I love to do things that we'll remember forever. We've stayed at some ridiculously priced posh hotels that we can't afford, but will always remember. especially as we carried lidl carrier bags of food up to our room

yep - he pointedly has no dress code. dh went in shorts and sandals (it was lunch time)