MAUREEN MCLEAN catches up with inspirational three Michelin starred chef, Heston Blumenthal OBE, at one of his pubs, The Crown at Bray.
THE temptation to give Heston a grilling is always there, particularly when he’s introducing us to his latest whizz – a new barbecue range. But as everything sizzles along nicely, Heston is reminiscing about The Fat Duck, the gourmet restaurant opposite his third Bray premises, The Hinds Head.
The Fat Duck used to be a pub known as the Bell or the Ringers. He recalls: “The building had more influence on me than any other thing or person. I’m self taught. When I started out I did 120 hours there a week. I would leave home at 5am and often wouldn’t return home until 2am the next morning!”
It certainly made me smile, sitting in the garden of the Crown. My memories include many an evening spent there and the Hinds Head when 20-something. I’d zoom into Bray in a soft top Triumph Spitfire and then head off to Studio Valbonne at Maidenhead.
This story is from the May 2017 edition of Berkshire Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 2017 edition of Berkshire Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Home For Keeps - Reader At Home
Alex and James Fielden were looking for a forever home. Their search ended as soon as they pulled up outside this Georgian property in Berkshire
Duke & Duchess Of Berkshire?
They are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but should they really be the Duke and Duchess of Berkshire, which is, of course, a Royal county?
A national hero
He started out like many other children born in Reading, but mention Justin Fletcher to any kid in the land these days and their eyes will light up
Fruitful thinking
Ryan Simpson believes the world is our orchard. A project that began over a pint in his local is making the county more fruity
THE BERKSHIRE BOMBSHELL
Berkshire has had more than its fair share of famous inhabitants. However, few had such an explosive reputation as Diana Dors
“I'll always be a Berkshire girl”
Despite her international acclaim as the star of TV’s Tracy Beaker, Dani Harmer has never strayed far from her roots
Remembering the fallen
The most destructive war in human history lasted for six years and cost 60 million lives, the majority non-combatants. It is easy to understand why those who had survived wanted to celebrate the end of that conflict
HIDDEN WONDERS
Berkshire photographer Matt Emmett has made it his mission to explore the forgotten architecture and heritage many people miss in their home towns
EXPLORING BERKSHIRE - Majestic Maidenhead
Rejuvenation and revival; two buzz words surrounding the biggest town in the Royal borough. With riverside views and a vibrant arts and dining out scene, this high-class town is well worth a look
A good grounding
Berkshire has some of the best homes in the land, so perhaps it is no coincidence that the nation’s favourite property guru went to school in Wokingham
