The first time I heard of Heston Blumenthal was via the BBC series called Heston Blumenthal: in search of perfection in the early 2000s. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is a 2 Michelin star restaurant located in Mandarin Oriental, Hyde park in London. It reopened 4th Of December 2018 and I somehow managed to get a reservation. The décor was very festive – bright lights and mirrors. We had a seat by the bar and enjoyed cocktails whilst waiting for dinner service to begin. Now we have certain expectations about places deemed ‘famous’ and this place for all it’s cling to fame, fell short!
The first disappointment for us was that the menu was a la carte. It really is not that big a deal. After all, we have dined in places that didn’t have taster menu, but being a Michelin star and not offer a taster menu? hmmm??? Plus, our waiter had the zero personality which was a big shame, as service in my opinion forms 60% of your food experience. Thank heavens the sommelier was way better. He had a ready smile and was happy to talk us through wine options that would suit our food choices. Not only was he knowledgeable but gave us recommendations of places to try out in Italy too (we are planning a trip to Italy soon and I can’t wait!)
The food was……. nothing really gave me the ‘wow’ feeling I am used to having when eating in a Michelin star place. I mean a Michelin star means the food has a certain je ne sais quoi! By no means are we food critics but we didn’t get that feeling with the food. It seemed that service was rushed, or they were short staffed that day. Also, no offence to my fellow diners but it was a noisy affair and the restaurant struck me more as a place to ‘be seen’, I mean it is in Knights bridge after all.
The manager turned head waiter must have sensed our disappointment and gave us a tour of the kitchen which was cool but did little to change our minds plus the cost of the meal far outweighed the satisfaction from the meal.
Would we go there again? likelihood very slim. Interestingly, having spoken to a few friends who have dined here, they too had a similar experience and have suggested visiting ‘The Fat Duck’ another of Heston’s restaurants. Hmm…. guess will have to wait and see if Heston can redeem himself.
Cheers
Ndidi
What was your experience?
