The Fat Duck

Who could have predicted that the well-groomed, Thames-side village of Bray would become home to British gastronomy. First with the Roux brothers at the Waterside Inn (see entry) bringing French classicalism to Britain (and training a whole generation of big name chefs), and now Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck, leading the way in innovative gastronomy. Two small cottages on the main village road seem an unassuming and unlikely international destination of culinary discovery and home to one of the world's best chefs, but The Fat Duck oozes understated quality and chic. Oak beams and low ceilings are complemented by modern art and coloured-glass screens, which combine effortlessly with the Tudor building. Comfortable chairs and white napery are backed by impeccable service (a real feature of The Fat Duck experience), which is professional, enthusiastic and friendly - with staff eager to share their knowledge without a hint of condescension. Blumenthal is a chef par excellence as well as a true culinary pioneer, and a leading exponent of the scientific approach to cuisine. Whilst there's nothing bizarre about the ingredients he uses, it's this combination of flavours that sometimes raises eyebrows or catches the headlines; witness a new tasting-menu dish called Sound of the Sea (a seafood offering eaten while listening to an iPod playing just that). But it's not just the exciting combinations that are a hallmark of this stunning experience, it's Heston's absolute precision and clarity of flavour and balance that sets him apart. For the full-on show, look to the tasting menu with its eight or so courses and various head-turning tasters and inter-courses, though there is also a good-value lunch option and carte, which might deliver a best end of lamb with purée of onion and thyme, hot pot of lamb neck, sweetbread and oyster, or perhaps a galette of rhubarb with neroli-scented yogurt mousse, crystallised coconut and rhubarb sorbet. Wow! An extensive wine list rounds off the package in style. So just sit back and enjoy the journey with a culinary alchemist at the helm.

M4 junct 8/9 (Maidenhead) take A308 towards Windsor, turn left into Bray. Restaurant in centre of village on right
Nearest station: Maidenhead

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