Inside Britain’s best restaurant: rare footage shows what it’s like to eat at The Fat Duck
Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck restaurant is one of the very best in the world, with not only three Michelin stars, but an almost mythical status in the hospitality industry.
What’s it like to eat there? A fascinating YouTube video has surfaced that gives viewers a seat at the table. Shots have been fired Alexander Vargathe co-owner of restaurant ’42’ with one Michelin star in Esztergom, Hungary.
As part of his ‘mission to find inspiration in gastronomy’, he visits other Michelin star restaurants and creates mesmerizing videos of his experiences at them.
They were uploaded to his YouTube channel, ‘Alexander The Guest’, with his Fat Duck video to date with over 365,000 clicks.
Alexander treated his teenage daughter to a meal at the restaurant – and the video begins with them trying to locate it. He says, “We arrive at the address, but there’s no sign, just directions.”
Alexander Varga, co-owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant ’42’ in Hungary, filmed a meal he ate at The Fat Duck in Bray with his daughter. They are pictured above in the restaurant before the meal began
As part of his ‘mission to find inspiration in gastronomy’, Alexander visits Michelin-starred restaurants and creates mesmerizing videos of his experiences at them
The 42-seat restaurant is housed in a white building in the village of Bray, Berkshire, with a duck’s foot spatula hanging outside and a coat of arms on the wall that reads – ‘ask anything’.
“We found it,” says Alexander.
Inside there are 42 seats – and 42 kitchen staff. One for each guest.
On Alexander’s table is a book called ‘Heston’s World of Curiosity’ and a magnifying glass.
“The book has a story of adventure,” Alexander reveals, “and the magnifying glass helps you find hidden information.”
Their waiter comes to the table and introduces himself as their ‘storyteller’.
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The first offering at The Fat Duck is a “nitro-poached aperitif with Campari spritz” that is “hard to describe…crispy on the outside and soft and refreshing on the inside.”
Alexander opts for the ‘top-of-the-line’ Wonderment wine pairing, which costs £990.90
This approach, says Alexander, “is unusual, but interesting.”
There is only one tasting menu, priced at £395 (plus service).
However, there are five wine pairing menus to choose from – ‘Playfulness [non-alcoholic]Curiosity, exploration, discovery and wonder’.
Alexander opts for the ‘top-of-the-line’ Wonderment combination, which costs £990.90.
Then the magic begins.
First up is a ‘nitro-poached aperitif with Campari spritz’ that is ‘hard to describe… crunchy on the outside and soft and refreshing on the inside’.
“Such surprises keep happening at meal times,” says Alexander.
Heston’s team then rustles up “Aerated Beetroot,” “Red Cabbage Gazpacho with Pommery Mustard Ice Cream,” “Oyster with Passionfruit Jelly and Lavender,” a Waldorf salad that’s actually two savory lollipops in the shape of a rocket, and a gold pocket watch. which turns into soup when submerged in boiling water.
The Fat Duck Waldorf Salad is actually two rocket-shaped lollipops
Alexander told MailOnline Travel that the experience was “truly magical and memorable” for both him and his daughter
“There’s something magical about every dish,” says Alexander.
And of course there’s the famous ‘Sound of the Sea’ course, seafood – some of the best Alexander has ever eaten – enjoyed the sound of crashing waves, delivered through a music player hidden in a shell and earplugs.
Alexander told MailOnline Travel that the experience was “truly magical and memorable” for both him and his daughter.
Did it live up to the hype?
He said: ‘I don’t know how much hype is around the restaurant right now, but for me it was a defining experience. While it may not be considered progressive anymore, Heston Blumenthal created one of the most influential chapters in gastronomic history, and I would definitely recommend it. It doesn’t matter if some dishes have been on the menu for more than 10 years, they are still very exciting to this day. The service is a big part of the whole experience. It definitely deserves the hype, because the whole thing is just brilliant.’
The Fat Duck is extremely expensive, but did Alexander think it was worth the splurge?
He said, ‘Absolutely. It’s really hard to judge a restaurant on the value for money aspect as we get calories, art, feelings, ideas and theatre, which educate, inspire and entertain at the same time. Those who just want food might disagree, but for me it was well worth it. It was a great experience and worth every penny.’
The famous ‘Sound of the Sea’ course features seafood enjoyed to the sound of crashing waves, delivered through a music player hidden in a shell and earplugs (above)
Alexander said: ‘Heston Blumenthal has written one of the most influential chapters in the history of gastronomy’
Above is a dollhouse version of The Fat Duck, with handmade candies
Heston Blumenthal outside The Fat Duck
What does he think is the secret to Heston’s success?
Alexander said, “If I had to guess, it would be his open mind, out-of-the-box thinking, experimental nature and courage. Other than that I think he has a very serious organizing ability and a strong character. He is also thoughtful and draws inspiration from art and science.’
How does The Fat Duck compare to other three-star restaurants he’s eaten at? Would he say it’s the best restaurant?
Alexander said, “Of course this is subjective. I’m not even sure I can decide if a restaurant is “the best”. I’ve been to over 40 three Michelin star restaurants around the world and in my head I list them in three categories. There are some I don’t like, some I do, and some that are special. The Fat Duck definitely falls into the special category.’
For more fascinating foodie videos from Alexander, visit www.youtube.com/@alexandertheguest and follow him on Instagram www.instagram.com/alexandertheguest and on TikTok on www.tiktok.com/@alexandertheguest. Follow his restaurant on Instagram www.instagram.com/42restaurant.