Got a reservation at The Fat Duck. Flight of wines?
Discussion
As above, you'd have to be nuts unless there's a compelling reason to stay in London. I live in Windsor and commute to London daily - I've also got cabs home late at night. There's no way it's a 40 minute journey from London to Bray. Paddington to Maidenhead on a train, yes, but you won't be staying in Paddington so add another 20 mins to get there, plus 10 mins in a cab from the station.
If it's a weekend away in London with this as well, one night in Windsor and another in London would be more sensible, and likely cheaper.
If it's a weekend away in London with this as well, one night in Windsor and another in London would be more sensible, and likely cheaper.
DanL said:
As above, you'd have to be nuts unless there's a compelling reason to stay in London. I live in Windsor and commute to London daily - I've also got cabs home late at night. There's no way it's a 40 minute journey from London to Bray. Paddington to Maidenhead on a train, yes, but you won't be staying in Paddington so add another 20 mins to get there, plus 10 mins in a cab from the station.
If it's a weekend away in London with this as well, one night in Windsor and another in London would be more sensible, and likely cheaper.
I met someone who was doing the Bray "triple", staying and eating at the Waterside Inn, which has rooms, then also having a meal at the Fat Duck, and another at the Hinds Head.If it's a weekend away in London with this as well, one night in Windsor and another in London would be more sensible, and likely cheaper.
I'm not sure my stomach or wallet could handle it, but would be a good way of managing to bag 7 Michelin stars in a couple of days.
Mr Trophy said:
Thanks for replies. I plan to go for my birthday so will be staying in London before the meal (if this makes any difference) !
Ok - if it's London with a trip out to the Fat Duck, the things you need to know are:1. You'll need a train from Paddington to Maidenhead - there are lots, but make sure you get on a fast one, it cuts a good percentage off the journey time. Fast ones will have a first stop of either Slough or Maidenhead.
2. Paddington is well connected by tube to London, but at the western edge of zone 1 it's not really "in" London in terms of being handy for the sights, so I imagine you'll be staying somewhere else. This is fine, but you need to know that the Bakerloo line is shut at Paddington at the moment, until (I think) August, so plan the tube journey with this in mind.
3. The last train back to London from Maidenhead is late enough that you won't need to worry about missing it, but the late trains are quite well spaced out, so you might be standing around for a while. Also, the trains run later than the tubes do, so once back in London you may need a black cab or Uber to get to your hotel.
AshBurrows said:
How long did it take people to get reservations? Tried to get in for August on Friday or Saturday and sold out within 2 mins?! What the heck.
My wife tried for three months in a row. On the third month she got a Friday 8:40pm table. Just happened to be our anniversary but she was just going for any weekend day...Don said:
My wife tried for three months in a row. On the third month she got a Friday 8:40pm table. Just happened to be our anniversary but she was just going for any weekend day...
Ah well! She'll try again shortly. Instead has booked Adams in Birmingham for my birthday which is currently the best rated uk restaurant on trip advisor and has been for 6 months. Hopefully it'll be good and fun still! Doesn't look to be quite so experimental which is a shame. 
I've been three times, and tried the pairing once. The meal is long enough, add the pairings and you're hanging around for around 6 hours trying to finish off the wine. You'll be wasted by the end of it 
If you can, you must. Relish the Tokaji with the BFG, one of the greatest wine food pairings I've ever had!
If you can, you must. Relish the Tokaji with the BFG, one of the greatest wine food pairings I've ever had!
Quick thread bump.
I last went to the Fat Duck back in 2010, so I thought it was about time for a revisit. Had a look on the website today and just happened across an available lunch date in a couple of weeks' time, so I've got something to look forward to now!
So, how has it changed in 7 years, apart from being more expensive?
Last time we had the mid priced wine flight (£180 at the time), so I'm also wondering whether I should splash out on the next one up this visit?
Who's been recently?
I last went to the Fat Duck back in 2010, so I thought it was about time for a revisit. Had a look on the website today and just happened across an available lunch date in a couple of weeks' time, so I've got something to look forward to now!
So, how has it changed in 7 years, apart from being more expensive?
Last time we had the mid priced wine flight (£180 at the time), so I'm also wondering whether I should splash out on the next one up this visit?
Who's been recently?
Edited by FurtiveFreddy on Monday 9th January 20:03
ascayman said:
I went last year after a similar gap, some of the same courses like the sea shell one are still served, but enough change to make it worth it. Its Alice in wonderland themed now.
The wine menu is a no brainer, like you've said you do it once every 7 years, may as well do it properly
Oh well, you've convinced me The wine menu is a no brainer, like you've said you do it once every 7 years, may as well do it properly
I need to organise a taxi for this. Anyone know what sort of cars the one they book for you has? Would be nice to get there and back with a bit of style.
FurtiveFreddy said:
Quick thread bump.
I last went to the Fat Duck back in 2010, so I thought it was about time for a revisit. Had a look on the website today and just happened across an available lunch date in a couple of weeks' time, so I've got something to look forward to now!
So, how has it changed in 7 years, apart from being more expensive?
Last time we had the mid priced wine flight (£180 at the time), so I'm also wondering whether I should splash out on the next one up this visit?
Who's been recently?
I went in December and went for the "poverty spec" wine pairing. Wine starts at course #4. Mostly enjoyable but the 2nd wine was a Sake which didn't work for either of us. I last went to the Fat Duck back in 2010, so I thought it was about time for a revisit. Had a look on the website today and just happened across an available lunch date in a couple of weeks' time, so I've got something to look forward to now!
So, how has it changed in 7 years, apart from being more expensive?
Last time we had the mid priced wine flight (£180 at the time), so I'm also wondering whether I should splash out on the next one up this visit?
Who's been recently?
Edited by FurtiveFreddy on Monday 9th January 20:03
They've had a kitchen extended recently and will happily take you in after dinner- it amazed me how small the kitchen is considering the number of staff working in it.
Came away from it liking some aspects, impressed at the skill involved, disliking some courses entirely and of the opinion I wouldn't rush back - plenty of other places I'd prefer to try than having a repeat visit.
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