Fat Duck Group secures Como backing to explore expansion

The Como Group has invested in the Fat Duck parent company in a partnership which will bolster Heston Blumenthal’s UK restaurants while providing an opportunity to explore further expansion.  

Singapore-headquartered Como Group, which has two hotels in London – Como Metropolitan and Como the Halkin – has invested a “significant” undisclosed sum into the Fat Duck Group’s holding company SL6 Limited.

The money will be used to support the evolution of its award-winning restaurants in Bray Berkshire, including the three-Michelin-starred Fat Duck, as well as the Hinds Head pub – both of which have delivered solid performances and strong bookings, with the Hinds Head in particular delivering month-on-month growth over the past 18 months.

Blumenthal said: “I’m incredibly proud of how the Fat Duck Group has evolved over the past 30 years – helping to shape modern dining through curiosity, creativity and a willingness to do things differently.

“Partnering with Como Group, with its extensive international experience in hospitality and dining, is an exciting step as we look to the future. Its expertise and global perspective will help us build on what we’ve created, giving us the platform to pursue our ambitions in a thoughtful and sustainable way.”

The partnership with Como Group marks a new phase for the Fat Duck Group, with the company saying further developments will be announced in due course.

“We are excited to explore new possibilities for the group,” said Blumenthal. ”Having Como Group’s experience and perspective opens up new doors for what comes next.”

Christina Ong, founder of the Como Group, added: “Heston is one of the most original and influential culinary minds of our time, and the Fat Duck Group represents a truly unique part of global gastronomy.

“Across Como Group, we have built a global portfolio of restaurants, hotels and wellness destinations, united by a focus on passion, creativity and style. That philosophy strongly aligns with what Heston and his team have achieved.

“We see this partnership as the beginning of something very special. We look forward to supporting the continued evolution of these iconic restaurants, while unlocking new opportunities for thoughtful growth in the years ahead.”

The Fat Duck Group currently consists of the Fat Duck and the Hinds Head in Bray, Berkshire; Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in Dubai.

Last summer, the Fat Duck Group reported widening losses as the company struggled with difficult trading conditions. Accounts for SL6 Limited, said profits had taken a hit as the business did not pass all cost increases on to customers.