Dinner By Heston Blumenthal

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal London: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: History and Cultural Significance

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, located at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in London’s Knightsbridge, is an acclaimed two-Michelin-starred restaurant that masterfully bridges Britain’s culinary history with modern gastronomic innovation. Opened in 2011, the restaurant is celebrated for its resurrection of centuries-old British recipes, each reimagined through contemporary cooking techniques and scientific precision. Diners are treated to a unique journey through British culinary heritage, with each dish presented alongside its historical context. Signature creations such as the famed Meat Fruit—a chicken liver parfait disguised as a mandarin orange—and the decadent Tipsy Cake exemplify the restaurant’s dedication to storytelling and multisensory experiences.

Set against the elegant backdrop of Hyde Park, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal offers not only a world-class meal but also a luxurious, accessible environment. Its influence extends beyond fine dining, contributing significantly to the global renaissance of British cuisine and inspiring chefs to explore their own culinary roots. The restaurant’s innovative practices, exceptional service, and immersive atmosphere have secured its status as a leading destination for both gastronomes and cultural explorers (Dinner by Heston Blumenthal Official Website; Fine Dining Lovers; Wikipedia).

Introduction
Visiting Information: Hours, Location & Reservations
Historical and Culinary Highlights
The Dining Experience & Amenities
Menu Structure, Pricing, and Signature Dishes
Special Experiences
Wine and Beverage Program
Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions
Dress Code and Etiquette
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

Visiting Information: Hours, Location & Reservations

Location

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is located at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, 66 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LA, overlooking Hyde Park and within walking distance to Knightsbridge’s luxury shopping district.

Opening Hours

Lunch:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Dinner:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Closed on Sundays and Mondays

Note: Hours may vary during holidays or special events; consult the official website prior to your visit.

Booking & Reservations

Advance reservations are essential due to high demand and can be made online up to three months ahead for standard tables and six months ahead for the Chef’s Table or Private Dining Room. There is no separate ticket fee, but a credit or debit card is required to secure your booking.

Cancellation Policy

Standard tables: 72-hour notice required to avoid a £50 per person fee.
Chef’s Table and Private Dining Room: 14-day notice required to avoid a fee of £200 per person or £2,000 per room.

Accessibility

The restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible. Staff are trained to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions or other special requirements; advance notice is encouraged.

Best Time to Visit

For a quieter experience, consider weekday lunches. Evenings and weekends offer a more vibrant atmosphere but may require booking further in advance.

Historical and Culinary Highlights

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is renowned for its rigorous historical research and creative reinterpretation of classic British dishes. Each menu item is accompanied by a reference to its historical origins, often stretching back to the medieval or Tudor eras. Collaborations with food historians and institutions like the British Library have enabled the restaurant to faithfully revive and modernize ancient recipes (Wikipedia).

Signature dishes include:

Meat Fruit (c. 1500): Chicken liver parfait encased in mandarin gel, artfully resembling a real fruit.
Powdered Duck Breast (c. 1670): Duck breast with smoked fennel, apricot, and spiced umbles, inspired by 17th-century British preservation methods.
Tipsy Cake (c. 1810): Brioche dessert soaked in brandy, served with spit-roasted pineapple.
Rice & Flesh (c. 1390): Saffron rice with calf tail, a nod to medieval cuisine.
Snail Porridge (c. 2003): A modern classic blending snails, oats, parsley, and garlic (Fine Dining Lovers; Supper Magazine).

This historical approach has elevated the reputation of British cuisine and inspired the broader culinary world to explore tradition with a modern twist (Big Spud).

The Dining Experience & Amenities

The restaurant’s interiors pay homage to Tudor England, with embossed leather walls and a replica of the King’s Table from Westminster Palace, blending historic elements with contemporary elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of Hyde Park, creating a serene yet dramatic setting.

Guests may choose standard à la carte dining, an exclusive Chef’s Table experience (4–6 guests, opposite the glass-walled kitchen), or the Private Dining Room for up to 12 guests in a Tudor-inspired space.

Dining at Dinner is immersive, with many dishes finished tableside or presented theatrically. The staff provide historical context for each course, enriching the meal with storytelling and personal engagement.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal’s menu evolves with the seasons and ongoing historical research. The à la carte menu is available for lunch and dinner at £125 for three courses (as of July 2025). Special tasting menus, such as the Fat Duck 30th Anniversary Tasting Menu (£195 per person; wine pairings from £165), are also offered.

Signature Dishes

Meat Fruit (c. 1500)
Snail Porridge (c. 2003)
Powdered Duck Breast (c. 1670)
Hereford Ribeye (c. 1830)
Black Forest Gateau (c. 2006)
Tipsy Cake (c. 1810)
Rice & Flesh (c. 1390)
Nitro-Poached Aperitif (c. 2001)

Vegetarian and pescatarian options are available, such as The Truffle (mushroom parfait with grilled bread) and Braised Celery with Gruyere and truffle.

Special Experiences

Chef’s Table: An intimate, interactive dining experience for 4–6 guests, facing the kitchen for direct engagement with the chefs and a bespoke menu.
Private Dining Room: Tudor-inspired and accommodates up to 12 guests, ideal for special occasions or corporate gatherings.
Hyde Park Garden: Seasonal outdoor dining available for lunch and light bites, weather permitting.

Wine and Beverage Program

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal features an extensive wine list, with curated pairings available for tasting menus. The sommelier team offers personalized recommendations. Creative craft cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages complement the menu.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Getting There: The nearest Underground station is Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line); multiple bus routes and taxis are also available.
Nearby Attractions:
- Hyde Park: Ideal for pre- or post-meal strolls.
- Harrods: Iconic luxury shopping experience nearby.
- Victoria and Albert Museum: World-class art and design collections.
- Royal Albert Hall: Historic concert venue.

Parking is limited; public transport or taxis are recommended.

Dress Code and Etiquette

The dress code is smart casual: fashionable, well-groomed attire is encouraged, while sportswear, shorts, and flip-flops are discouraged. Jackets and ties are optional.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need tickets to dine at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal?
A: No separate tickets are required; reservations with a credit or debit card are mandatory.

Q: What are the exact visiting hours?
A: Lunch: Tuesday–Saturday, 12:00–2:30 PM; Dinner: Tuesday–Saturday, 6:00–10:30 PM. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

Q: Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, and dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.

Q: Can children dine here?
A: Children are welcome, though the menu is best suited to adults and adventurous young diners.

Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: 72-hour notice required for standard bookings; 14 days for Chef’s Table/Private Dining Room.

Q: Are special events or tasting menus available?
A: Yes. Themed tastings and special menus, such as the Fat Duck Anniversary menu, are offered periodically.

Conclusion

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal stands as a pioneering destination for culinary history lovers and gastronomes alike. Its seamless fusion of historical research, culinary innovation, and immersive storytelling makes for an unforgettable experience within one of London’s most prestigious settings. Meticulous attention to visitor needs—from accessibility to menu diversity—ensures an enriching, accessible, and memorable outing.

Book your table through the official website, follow the restaurant’s social media for the latest updates, and consider exploring nearby cultural attractions to complete your Knightsbridge visit.