Out in the countryside.....
Heston Blumenthal has been given the go-ahead to re-open the Fat Duck. According to Bloomberg, the restaurant which has been shut since Wednesday 25th February will open its doors to diners tomorrow.
'The Health Protection Agency and the local environmental health office have given us the all-clear to open the restaurant tomorrow, said Heston. 'While they are still awaiting outstanding test results, we can’t comment further, but we’re overjoyed to get back to business as normal.'
Back in the city...
Even the most bullish restaurateur could be forgiven for being influenced by the recession when it comes to opening new venues and Mark Fuller is no exception. Fuller [owner of Mayfair's Embassy and the Inn on the Green in Cookham Dean]'s new resturant at the extremely chichi Soho boutique hotel Soho Sanctum on Warwick Street has had a pre-emptive makeover before it opens its doors to the public on 21 March. Initially called the Inner Sanctum and destined for an elite band of diners - now it will be known as No.20 and will be more of a mid-range brasserie than a high-end dining destination. Heading up the restaurant is Gavin Austin, late of the Pancras Grand.
