UNIQUELY IMAGINATIVE.
This is undoubtedly one of the best restaurants in the UK, with the famed Heston Blumenthal name over the door and uniquely imaginative dishes to match. Dinner is set in the lavish Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park and is a collaboration with long term colleague Ashley Palmer-Watts who heads up the kitchen.
The ethos behind the two Michelin starred menu stems from Heston’s passion for historic gastronomy. Together with Ashley Palmer-Watts, the two chefs researched 14th-century cookbooks, a history of food at the British Library and archives at Hampton Court Palace to develop a menu that transforms the fascination of culinary history into an inventive yet contemporary dining experience.
The historical theme is felt throughout the menu with each dish having a date of origin to emphasise the philosophy of the restaurant. There are a number of renowned dishes and many foodies will certainly recognise the Meat Fruit starter (Mandarin, Chicken Liver Parfait & Grilled Bread – £18.50). We also had the Salamagundy (Chicken Oysters, Salsify, Marrowbone, Horseradish Cream & Pickled Walnuts – £19.50), this seldom used nugget of meat was delightfully transformed into a refined and flavoursome plate.
Another highlight was the Roast Iberico Pork Chop with Pea’s Pudding, Blood Pudding, Pickled Onion & Mint Oil (£40.00), again showing off the skills of this kitchen the pork was probably the most succulent chop I have eaten.
“THIS DESSERT WAS ONE OF THE LIGHTEST, MOST DELICATE AND HARMONIOUSLY BALANCED DESSERTS I’VE HAD THE FORTUNE TO EAT”
At Dinner by Heston Blumenthal the dessert was an unexpected stand out for me. If I could only recommend one dish off the menu it would be the Tipsy Cake with Spit Roast Pineapple (£14.50). If you do want this dessert then you will have to order it at the start of your meal as it does take an hour to prepare. However, it is definitely worth the time and effort. I must admit I do not have a major sweet tooth, but this dessert was one of the lightest, most delicate and harmoniously balanced desserts I’ve had the fortune to eat.
Overall Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is the perfect place to go for a special occasion. Anyone you take will unquestionably be captivated by the array of unparalleled dishes produced by this highly specialised team. Another refreshing positive was that the restaurant doesn’t feel as stuffy as many fine dining establishments, there was almost a relaxed atmosphere which really allows you to enjoy the whole experience. In terms of price, you will most likely spend over £120 per person for an à la carte dinner, but it is worth every penny for a distinctive 2 Michelin star meal.
Mandarin Oriental Hotel, 66, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7LA
020 7201 3833
Dinnerbyheston.co.uk
Nearest Tube Station: Knightsbridge Station
Article By: Gurpreet Singh
