Blumenthal plans new restaurant

Heston Blumenthal, chef-proprietor of the one-Michelin-starred Fat Duck at Bray-on-Thames, Berkshire, is planning to open another restaurant later this year.

Blumenthal has been "approached with a site not too far" from the 48-seat Fat Duck that would offer space for a brasserie, a kitchen that would be used as a preparation kitchen for the Fat Duck, and also have 15-20 bedrooms.

"We would offer a restaurant with rooms, rather than a hotel, offer rustic food in the brasserie and ferry guests from there to the Fat Duck for dinner and back again," explained Blumenthal.

Despite expansion of the kitchen last year, space is still restricted at the Fat Duck, and Blumenthal believes using the new kitchen as a prep kitchen would relieve some of the strain.

Blumenthal and restaurant manager Nigel Sutcliffe will remain at the Fat Duck while developing the new bistro.

"We don't want to take away the focus from here, and this expansion is really about long-term growth for the Fat Duck," said Blumenthal.

The deal is still in the early stages and should be finalised in six weeks, with October or November the expected opening date.

by Sara Guild sara.guild@rbi.co.uk

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 26 April - 2 May 2001