Lou Hunbec

Review of The Fat Duck "Gastronomic Rest...

We were coming to London from the US for something...

We were coming to London from the US for something else, but have always wanted to try the Fat Duck, so we felt fortunate to score lunch reservations for this past Thursday. Not being the "foodie" in the family, I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't really enjoy some of the more out-there courses, but I need not have worried. The food was an ever-changing delight, playing with texture, presentation, scent and even sound. As more of a meat lover than a fish fetishist, they were kind enough to substitute one salmon course on the menu for a melt-in-your-mouth pork belly dish - amazing!

But better even than the food (really?!) was the staff. They seemed instantly capable of adapting their service style to the guests' attitudes, being more formal with some guests and more relaxed with others. I was concerned that I might be under-dressed, but I felt completely at home at all times. The staff worked together as a well-oiled machine, despite the cramped service quarters (they really need the refit), always at hand when you needed them, but never hovering or intrusive.

All in all, it was incredibly satisfying to have a long-anticipated experience live up to the expectations we had developed. This was, hands down, the most I have ever spent on a meal, so if it hadn't lived up to the dream, I would have been really disappointed. Tasty and terrific - what a relief!

They will open The Fat Duck in Melbourne in early February 2015, while the Bray location is renovated, so if you find yourself on that side of the planet, be sure to stop in. And when they get back to their refurbished nest, give the duck a big welcome home!