FAQs

Bookings

HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION AT THE FAT DUCK?

Reservations and tickets for The Fat Duck are obtained through our website. The details for this are available on our Reservations page.

To confirm a reservation, full payment for the menu selected is required at the time of reservation.

All reservations and subsequent payments are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

WHEN ARE RESERVATIONS RELEASED?

Reservations are available, three months in advance, released on the last Friday of the month at 12pm UK time. Ie. Reservations for July are released on the last Friday of April and reservations for December are released on the last Friday in September.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date on last minute availability or cancellations.

HOW MUCH DOES THE MENU COST?

Menus at The Fat Duck are priced between £225 per person - £450 per person including VAT, for food only depending on the menu selected and booking day. Drinks, extras and service charge are in addition to this. We offer a selection of wine pairings and a full drinks menu.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

In the event a reservation is not fulfilled, or for any cancellation made within 7 days of the reservation date, no refund will be issued against the pre-payment.

In exceptional circumstances, we will always do our best to work with you to find a suitable solution.

CAN YOU CATER FOR DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

We can usually cater for most health or allergy related dietary requests with prior notice and do our best to adapt the menu according to each guest’s dietary requirements. We would advise making note of any dietary requests at the point of reservation.

YOU MENTION TABLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR 2 TO 6 GUESTS. CAN I MAKE SEATING ARRANGEMENTS OUTSIDE OF THIS?

The Fat Duck is an intimate space; thus, the seating configuration is set; we are only able to offer tables for 1 – 6 guests. To discuss any specific requirements, such as reservations for multiple tables, please contact our reservations team.

The Fat Duck is available for private hire events of up to 40 guests. Please get in touch with our reservations team [email protected] to find out more.

HOW CAN I PAY FOR MY RESERVATION?

Payment for your reservation is made online by credit or debit card at the time of reservation, via our payment agent, Stripe. Methods of payment are regulated by Stripe.

Should you wish to pay for a reservation via multiple card transactions (i.e. for a party of 6 guests) please contact our reservations team, who would be delighted to assist.

WHAT DOES MY PRE-PAYMENT ENTITLE ME TO?

Your pre-payment covers the cost of the menu selected for your selected number of diners, as detailed in your email confirmation. However, extras, such as drinks and service charge, are in addition and paid for at the end of your meal.

CAN I MAKE A RESERVATION WITHOUT PRE-PAYMENT?

No, we’re afraid not. A pre-payment is required to confirm all reservations.

IS THERE A WAITING LIST IF I AM UNABLE TO MAKE A RESERVATION?

Yes. The waiting list will be open for dates within our current booking period. Please visit the availability page on our booking site. If there are no reservations available, you will find an option to add your details to the waiting list, for your specified date and party size.

HOW CAN I CONTACT THE FAT DUCK AND WILL I RECEIVE ANY OTHER COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING MY RESERVATION?

Prior to your reservation date, our team will be in touch to confirm any finer details such as dietary restrictions or celebrations or occasions; at this point, we will provide you with a contact telephone number and an email address for our team. For all other contact details, email [email protected].

CAN I BUY A GIFT VOUCHER FOR THE FAT DUCK?

Gift vouchers are available to purchase via our online shop, here. Guests wishing to make a booking using a gift voucher should contact our reservations team directly by emailing [email protected]. Please note, purchase of a gift voucher does not guarantee a reservation, a surcharge may still be payable. Gift vouchers will be redeemed at the point of making a reservation as payment for your reservation and subject to our standard cancellation policy.

Cancellations/Returns

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO MAKE CHANGES TO MY RESERVATION?

Please contact us directly, our helpful reservations team are adept at dealing with all manner of requests.

CAN I SELL MY RESERVATION?

You may transfer your reservation to another party, friends or family, should you not be able to attend yourself. Please contact your reservations team for further guidance.

CAN I GET A REFUND OR CREDIT AGAINST MY FINAL BILL, IF I OR ANY OF MY GUESTS CANNOT ATTEND ON THE DAY?

Any amendments in party size will be subject to our cancellation policy as described above.

THE EXPERIENCE

WHAT ARE THE OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES OF THE RESTAURANT?

We are open for lunch from 12pm and for dinner from 7pm from Wednesday to Sunday; the restaurant is closed all day on Sunday and Monday.

CAN I ENJOY A DRINK AT THE FAT DUCK BEFORE MY MEAL?

As we are a small restaurant with limited space, we do not have a bar area. We factor a small window to enjoy a drink into your reservation time; however, should you wish to join us earlier than your stated reservation time, we kindly suggest a visit to our sister restaurant, The Hinds Head next door.

WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?

We do not have a dress code policy; however, we suggest smart casual attire.

DO YOU HAVE A SERVICE CHARGE?

Yes, a discretionary service charge of 12.5% will be added to your final bill on the total value of your menu, plus any extras, including drinks.

HOW CAN I PAY MY FINAL BILL?

You can pay your final bill at The Fat Duck by Visa, Visa Debit, MasterCard, American Express and in cash.

HOW LONG SHOULD WE ALLOW TO ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE?

The menu is a carefully staged series of dishes, so we advise you to allow about 3-4 hours to enjoy it comfortably.

ARE CHILDREN ALLOWED IN THE RESTAURANT?

Children are welcome in the restaurant; however, we do not recommend the menu for children under 10 years of age, we do not serve a children’s menu. As we have a very small restaurant, any children would need to be included in the overall size of the party and be subject to the full menu price. Please contact the Reservations Team to enquire about bringing children to the restaurant.

DO YOU HAVE ACCESS FOR WHEELCHAIRS & BATHROOM FACILITIES FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS?

Yes, we have step-free access for wheelchairs in the restaurant, and bathroom facilities for wheelchair users. Please advise our team of your needs in advance so we can assign the most suitable table.

TRAVEL, PARKING & ACCOMMODATION

ARE THERE CAR-PARKING FACILITIES AT THE FAT DUCK?

Yes, we have a car park available opposite the restaurant for your use. There is no parking directly outside The Fat Duck although anyone needing close access can be dropped off by prior arrangement.

CAN I BE PICKED UP BY TAXI OR BY MY DRIVER?

There is limited space outside The Fat Duck, but arrangements can be made for pick-up, however, we ask you that your taxi or driver does not wait outside but parks in the car park until you depart.

HOW DO I FIND THE RESTAURANT

The Fat Duck is located within the picturesque Berkshire village of Bray; easily accessible from junction 8/9 of the M4, if driving, and is within a short taxi ride from Maidenhead train station (Elizabeth Line & GWR mainline). Our team would be more than happy to assist with travel recommendations.

WHERE DO YOU RECOMMEND I STAY OVERNIGHT?

The Fat Duck does not, sadly, have any overnight accommodation, however we highly recommend a stay with our friends at Bray Cottages - please contact us for further information.