Heston Blumenthal divides opinion with £425 Christmas menu

Celebrity chef, Heston Blumenthal has unveiled the 2023 Christmas menu for his restaurant, The Fat Duck, and it’s pretty pricy.

The nine-course festive menu, to be enjoyed in the run-up to the holidays at the three Michelin-starred spot in Bray, Berkshire, is set to cost as much as £425, and focus on ‘minimalist food’ – not what you’d usually expect from a Christmas spread, right?

There isn’t a turkey in sight on this menu, but instead Heston will treat his guests to roast scallops with chocolate, kombu and pickled lemon and King’s venison with chestnuts, beetroot and sprouts, among other intricately thought out dishes.

Heston Blumenthal is known for his innovative and experiential cooking (Credit: Getty)

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Other dishes include beef short rib with dried fruits and ‘gold carrots,’ and truffled egg, smoked salmon and buttered toast.

The festive menu is available in the holidays, starting on November 29th and ending on December 23rd – meaning it won’t be available on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or Boxing Day.

Prices come from £395 to £425 a person, and payment will need to be taken in advance of your meal, and booking is advised early to avoid disappointment.

It goes without saying that a meal at The Fat Duck is a once in a lifetime experience (the restaurant’s accolades and acclaim speaks for itself).

But whilst some might choose to spend their hard earned cash on such a meal, others just didn’t get it. 

Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck festive menu in full (Credit: The Fat Duck)

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When The Mirror reported the news last week, one person fumed: “What about the season goodwill and sharing?”

Whilst another penned: “No Christmas Dinner is worth that amount of money….”

“Some people need a head check,” wrote a third.

However, others defended the price point. 

The Fat Duck looks unassuming but has a hefty price tag (Credit: Getty)

“So would you if you’d made a name for yourself,” one said about his decision to charge high. 

Whilst another wrote: “You know what if you’ve got it why not… I’m sure Christmas Dinner at Heston would be an amazing experience.”

There’s no arguing with that…

Featured image: Getty