T B's Reviews

Despite all the recent media attention, I decided that I would return to RGR having been once before for lunch some 12 months previously, when I came away very impressed by the entire experience. Most people are familiar with the décor and can easily view the images on line. I think that in terms of the style it is trying to set, it fits in perfectly well and delivers a refined and modern finish; smart and formal. Jean-Claude Breton was not working on this particular evening, so there was a new face on the front of house, although I must confess to not getting his name. Overall the service was very engaging and friendly and he took a genuine interest in our evening. Toping up of bread and water was faultless. None of the staff came across as overbearing or intrusive and all were warm and friendly. It’s a difficult balance to strike and I think this aspect of the service remains some of the best. Having previously been to the Square, I found the service there very cold and aloof, with the staff taking little interest in you as the diner; it was all rather mechanical and routine. However, we did experience an oversight in that we were only presented with one amuse bouche, the kitchen having forgotten to send the first one out. I’m not sure where the slip occurred and we didn’t realise it until late, by which time we weren’t sure how to raise the issue; being stoically British we decided not to complain at the time, rather wait until the end. The Maitre‘d was very apologetic and we were presented with additional petis fours to take away. He did say that if there was a problem we shouldn’t have been afraid to say so at the time, otherwise he doesn’t know and can’t correct the fault. That will teach me! At the end of the meal we took drinks in the bar and I was served a cognac in what I would describe as a port glass. Although I might be mistaken, I think this was wrong and lacked attention to detail. My biggest gripe would be that I noticed 2 guests dressed in jeans with shirts… More

This was the first time that I have eaten at The Fat Duck and having previously dined at the UK's other 3-star Michelin restaurants, I wanted to be able to compare and contrast. Reading numerous website reviews, it appeared that opinion was more or less divided into two: love or hate. With an increased public profile over the past few years, The Fat Duck has developed a reputation and renown that appeared to focus mainly around the tasting menu. However, because we were eating late and my fiancée did not want to half-heartedly tackle such a gastronomic challenge, we opted instead for the a-la-carte menu.

With The Fat Duck (and also Restaurant GR), people are often critical of the booking system, but I view it is a device that is operated to both enhance and protect the restaurant's reputation. I believe that being critical achieves nothing and is simply a means for people to vent their frustration at not being able to secure a booking; to me, it is a right that has been earned. Yes, it requires perseverance and compromise to get what you want and in this case I was fortunate to able to take a cancellation that suited me. I found the reservations team to be polite and courteous at all times and very helpful.

The decor of a restaurant is often a contentious area of discussion but ultimately it is subjective and down to personal taste, so is difficult to pass judgement on. In the case of The Fat Duck you are greeted by a smart, low-ceilinged, English country cottage. The walls are whitewashed and decorated with a few bright oil paintings and in keeping with the setting, the oak beams are exposed. I think that it would be unrealistic to expect the decor and style found at RGR or the grand dining room of Les Ambassadeurs to be transplanted to a village in Berkshire – it simply wouldn’t fit in; I believe that the effect and style is simple and suitably blends into the environment. With limited natural light, good use is made of spot lights to illuminate the dining area… More