The Fat Duck to reopen with new menu
The chef's flagship restaurant returns to Bray following a temporary migration during which every member of the team – including all the crockery, cutlery and equipment - moved to Melbourne, Australia for nine months.
The new £255, four hour menu will take the form of a map and is based around a ‘perfect nostalgic day’ in Blumenthal's own childhood.
“It will be a journey, starting from the instant you book your ticket, ever growing excitement for when you arrive and ending after you leave The Fat Duck,” he said.
“It is me, describing my childhood holiday memory full of adventure, curiosity, discovery and playfulness that spans a day, from morning to night, breakfast to dreaming and in between; activities like rock-pooling and getting an ice cream from the van near the beach.”
While details of dishes remain scarce, Blumenthal promises that they will undergo the same ongoing evolution as those before them.
“The menu with all these elements will act as a catalyst to bring your own memories to life. It’s about bringing people together and allowing them to use all the senses to trigger their memories - where you were, whom you were with, what you ate and how you ate it. It then becomes your own holiday journey," he said.
All aspects of front-of-house service, including the lighting, tableware and waiting staff will play a role in the theatre.
Diners will have the opportunity either to simply observe or become as personally involved in the experience as they wish.
The now infamous Snail Porridge and Bacon and Egg Ice Cream will be archived in a ‘Hall of Fame’ amongst other 'classic' dishes once Blumenthal feels they have reached the end of their development, and will potentially be served at special request.
Reservations are being taken from 3 September, with The Fat Duck following the likes of The Clove Club by introducing a pre-paid ticketing system.
Each £255 ticket, purchased at the time of reservation, covers all food costs with only drinks and service paid for at the end of the meal.
