Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal

BACKGROUND Dinner was conceived in the late ‘90s by Heston Blumenthal, a British chef regarded a pioneer of multisensory cooking, food pairing and flavour encapsulation. His fascination with historic gastronomy – the savoury ice creams of the late 1800s, the theatre of Tudor dining experiences and the dishes of Alice’s adventures in Wonderland – all resonated with his unique approach to cooking, so he teamed up with fellow chef Ashley Palmer-Watts, food historians and the team at Hampton Court Palace to create a very modern dining experience inspired by the past. Dinner

CUISINE Modern dishes inspired by historic by Heston was launched at the Mandarin Oriental

British gastronomy Hyde Park in 2011 and 10 years on, MENU the two-MichelinÀ la carte starred restaurant

MICHELIN STARS Two remains one of London’s premier dining destinations. WHAT’S IT LIKE? A fitting menu backdrop, the restaurant’s interior is contemporary and innovative, yet nods tradition. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls reveal the kitchen’s unique pulley system, modelled on a version used by the Royal court, and ivory-painted walls are decorated with porcelain wall sconces in the shape of antique jelly moulds. The uninterrupted views of Hyde Park, King Henry VIII’s former hunting grounds, bringing the restaurant’s historical connection full circle. THE FOOD The cuisine takes inspiration from facts, events and recipes dating back to the 13th century and this is reflected on the menu, with the source of origin explained for every dish. For example, Hay Smoked Salmon (1730 The Complete Practical Cook by Charles Carter); Roast Halibut & Green Sauce (1440 by Elias Ashmole); and Tipsy Cake (1810 The English Cookery Book by J.H. Walsh). This really sets the scene, but nothing can really prepare you for the taste. Every dish was sensational and in my opinion, without fault. The smoked salmon entrée was delicate and melt-in-the-mouth, e ortlessly balanced by the ‘Gentlemen’s relish and pickled lemon salad’ and the perfect precursor to the roast halibut main, which was firm yet tender. Its familiar mild and sweet taste was enhanced by fragrant braised chicory, plus parsley, pepper, onion and eucalyptus, hence the green sauce, which had just a hint of a curry flavour. Sides were buttered bay carrots and triple cooked chips, which my partner enjoyed with his Fillet of Hereford Beef (circa 1830) with mushroom ketchup. And then came the dessert – the famous Tipsy Cake with spit roast pineapple, baked for one hour before serving and for me, reminiscent of a boozy bread-and-butter pudding with an almost brioche-like texture. It was quite simply sensational and I refused to share! If you have room for more, the waiter will hand-mix you a palate-cleansing mini ice cream at your table side. THE SERVICE Sta were much more than waiters and sommeliers, but enthusiastic connoisseurs essential to the dining experience. Knowledgeable, professional, chatty and fun, they were crucial to the culinary theatre, whetting our appetites with their lively descriptions of the traditions that had inspired our dishes, as well as techniques and ingredients used. VERDICT Dinner by Heston will stand the test of time as a memorable dining experience worthy of a gastro bucket list tick. Gemma Greenwood

HOURS Open for lunch and dinner, seven days a week

The dishes take inspiration from facts, events and recipes dating as far back as the 13th century

LOCATION Mandarin Oriental, Hyde Park, London, Knightsbridge

DRESS CODE Casual

CONTACT +44 (0)20 7201 3833; dinnerbyheston.co.uk

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Step into a vibrant haven with uplifting experiences that will inspire you in every corner at voco® Riyadh - an IHG hotel! One of the most sophisticated hotels in Riyadh, featuring 438 rooms and suites, located in Riyadh’s key business district and offering you a variety of fine restaurants and leisure facilities to indulge your senses. It also secures more than 400 underground parking spaces for guests. Dine in one of our six delightful restaurants and cafes; savor a refreshing juice on the sundeck after your swim or simply unwind in the sauna before a relaxing massage. Business travellers can use one of our 22 meeting rooms and a large hall that can accommodate more than 1,200 guests. At voco® Riyadh - an IHG Hotel, we promise you a heartfelt welcome and a comfortable stay. One of the perks we certainly are proud of is our (IHG rewards club). With more than 5,600 hotels in nearly 100 countries, IHG Rewards Club provides more member-preferred features than any other hotel loyalty offering, combining more sought-after benefits into one powerful program that is simple and easy.

HOTEL INFORMATION King Fahad Road, Facing the Ministry of Interior, P.O. Box 13003, Riyadh 11493, KSA +966 11 457 9999 | vocohotels.com/Riyadh