New Heston Blumenthal Restaurant to Open at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park

September 1, 2010 By: Jena Tesse Fox

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Great news for foodies in London: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and The Fat Duck Group have joined forces to create Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, chef Heston Blumenthal’s first London restaurant, which will open at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London in December 2010.  

Blumenthal previously opened the three Michelin-starred The Fat Duck in Bray, Berkshire and The Hinds Head pub of the same village. This first restaurant to open outside of Bray will have a menu heavily influenced by the chef's ongoing research and discovery of historic British gastronomy.   

Yes, that's right. The restaurant will be new and historic at the same time. We hear the menu at the restaurant will feature simple contemporary dishes inspired by Britain’s historic gastronomic past and recipes dating as far back as the 16th century, such as Scallops with Cucumber Ketchup and Peas, Bergamot cured Mackerel Salad and Slow Cooked Short Rib of Beef.  

Coolest design touch, courtesy of Adam Tihany: The restaurant will have floor to ceiling glass walls providing a glimpse into the open kitchen and an unusual one-of-a-kind large scale pulley mechanism. This contemporary chrome and steel contraption has been modeled after the 16th century pulley system originally designed for the Royal British Court’s kitchens. A selection of 16th century British recipes sourced from rare antique cookbooks will be on display behind a one-way mirror in the bar area, and a private dining room will be available for up to 12 guests as well as a chef’s table for six located within the kitchen.

During the summer months, guests can dine on a terrace overlooking Hyde Park.  

Seating 140 guests, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal will serve lunch and dinner and, from March 2011, afternoon tea. The kitchen will be headed by Ashley Palmer-Watts, group executive chef of the Fat Duck, who has worked with Blumenthal for ten years.

For more information, visit www.mandarinoriental.com/london/dining.