Got a reservation at The Fat Duck. Flight of wines?
Discussion
Against all likelihood my dear, wonderful wife has managed to obtain a reservation at the Fat Duck on our next anniversary. We've even managed to book accommodation within walking distance.
Whilst I understand it isn't done to spoil the surprise I do have a question of anyone who has been: Did you do the wine pairings? I take it this is a "flight" of wines to match some/all of the courses? I have seen costs of around £155 per head mentioned for this. Sounds OK given the sort of wine it will be. Is this accurate? My source was the Telegraph and it's a bit of a rag these days so you can't be sure that this is right...
Whilst I understand it isn't done to spoil the surprise I do have a question of anyone who has been: Did you do the wine pairings? I take it this is a "flight" of wines to match some/all of the courses? I have seen costs of around £155 per head mentioned for this. Sounds OK given the sort of wine it will be. Is this accurate? My source was the Telegraph and it's a bit of a rag these days so you can't be sure that this is right...
Sounds about right. Being a high class restaurant there is obviously a sommelier. If you're doing the tasting menu then I would recommend the wine menu with it - yes, it is more expensive than the food!
If money is tight, just talk to the sommelier, tell him your budget range and let them get on with it.
If money is tight, just talk to the sommelier, tell him your budget range and let them get on with it.
Puggit said:
Sounds about right. Being a high class restaurant there is obviously a sommelier. If you're doing the tasting menu then I would recommend the wine menu with it - yes, it is more expensive than the food!
If money is tight, just talk to the sommelier, tell him your budget range and let them get on with it.
The food is £255 per person for the 'tasting journey' - I don't think they offer any other menu anymore.If money is tight, just talk to the sommelier, tell him your budget range and let them get on with it.
sidicks said:
The food is £255 per person for the 'tasting journey' - I don't think they offer any other menu anymore.
Woaaah - when I went about 8 years ago (!) it was dearer for the wine than tasting menu. 6 of us had the tasting menu, of which 4 had the wine with hit. We spent £1250Puggit said:
Woaaah - when I went about 8 years ago (!) it was dearer for the wine than tasting menu. 6 of us had the tasting menu, of which 4 had the wine with hit. We spent £1250
I think they just do this special ticket for 'The Journey' - allegedly 17 courses of amazing sights, sounds, smells and tastes - for £255 plus 12.5% service charge.You can only order 3 months ahead when reservations open on the first Wednesday of each month...!
coyft said:
They didn't skimp on the wine when I went, there were a few I really liked and he topped up my glass. Consequently I can't remember the last couple of courses. Then again I guess that's a good excuse to go back!
Has anyone been recently and experienced 'The Journey' ??I'm hoping to book for later in the year, but for practical reasons I'll probably have to drive - my wife will have the wine flight, but I'll be on the soft drinks. I'm not a massive wine drinker, so don't mind missing out on the alcohol, but will this diminish the experience significantly?
Puggit said:
Sounds about right. Being a high class restaurant there is obviously a sommelier. If you're doing the tasting menu then I would recommend the wine menu with it - yes, it is more expensive than the food!
If money is tight, just talk to the sommelier, tell him your budget range and let them get on with it.
No, Puggit, budget is not that big an issue. But nor do I order bottles of wine that cost thousands of pounds. I'm eager to take their wine pairings as the sommelier should choose really complementary stuff. But £300 for the two of us is fine. £3000 would not be, imo. Not that the wine wouldn't be great, but that's more than I want to spend. If money is tight, just talk to the sommelier, tell him your budget range and let them get on with it.
I will take your advice and speak with the sommelier.
I'll report back after we've been, we are indeed doing this "Journey" thing. Should be fun.
sidicks said:
coyft said:
They didn't skimp on the wine when I went, there were a few I really liked and he topped up my glass. Consequently I can't remember the last couple of courses. Then again I guess that's a good excuse to go back!
Has anyone been recently and experienced 'The Journey' ??I'm hoping to book for later in the year, but for practical reasons I'll probably have to drive - my wife will have the wine flight, but I'll be on the soft drinks. I'm not a massive wine drinker, so don't mind missing out on the alcohol, but will this diminish the experience significantly?
Don said:
No, Puggit, budget is not that big an issue. But nor do I order bottles of wine that cost thousands of pounds. I'm eager to take their wine pairings as the sommelier should choose really complementary stuff. But £300 for the two of us is fine. £3000 would not be, imo. Not that the wine wouldn't be great, but that's more than I want to spend.
I will take your advice and speak with the sommelier.
I'll report back after we've been, we are indeed doing this "Journey" thing. Should be fun.
No doubt they can 'improve' the wine flights if you want to spend more than £155 per person, but the wine pairing at £155 should surely do the job?!I will take your advice and speak with the sommelier.
I'll report back after we've been, we are indeed doing this "Journey" thing. Should be fun.
sidicks said:
I think they just do this special ticket for 'The Journey' - allegedly 17 courses of amazing sights, sounds, smells and tastes - for £255 plus 12.5% service charge.
You can only order 3 months ahead when reservations open on the first Wednesday of each month...!
It took the Missus three months to get a table, trying each first Wednesday. You can only order 3 months ahead when reservations open on the first Wednesday of each month...!
Don said:
Given that this is a rare and expensive experience I'd go all out. Just get a taxi to take you home. How much could that be? £200? Not the biggest price of the evening. We are staying (very) locally to the Fat Duck and its £325 a night!
Taxi would be circa £150 each way - It's the food I'm not interested in, not the wine, so I don't think I'll miss out too much, Plus of course i can sample my wife's wine flight if any wines are particularly impressive - much rather have £300 in my pocket for a couple of other nights out at local restaurants.Having read this thread last night, I thought a quick visit to the fat duck website was called for. What surprised me was that they had a table available, and I was surprised again this morning when they still had it, then I was surprised again when my finger with a life of its own clicked reservation button. So its off to Bray next Tuesday.
Wifes over the moon, Bank Manager not so much. Me, I can't wait. We have been dreaming of going for years so now for the reality.
Wifes over the moon, Bank Manager not so much. Me, I can't wait. We have been dreaming of going for years so now for the reality.
AshBurrows said:
The Mrs is planning on booking us a table in August for my birthday.
Anyone got recommendations of a place to stay?
Also anyone tried the new menu yet? How is it?
Cheap... Travelodge in Maidenhead is about a 12 minute taxi ride.Anyone got recommendations of a place to stay?
Also anyone tried the new menu yet? How is it?
Expensive Fredericks in Maidenhead. Again about 12 minutes.
Troubleatmill said:
Cheap... Travelodge in Maidenhead is about a 12 minute taxi ride.
Expensive Fredericks in Maidenhead. Again about 12 minutes.
Downside is that you're staying in Maidenhead. Expensive Fredericks in Maidenhead. Again about 12 minutes.
Windsor is about the same travel time, and a tourist destination in its own right - might want to check there too.
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