The portly duck is back in action in London and reclaims its ranking in the 2017 edition of the Michelin Guide to Great Britain and Ireland. We are of course talking about the famous Fat Duck restaurant by British chef Heston Blumenthal.

Having missed out on the previous year’s rating due to the renovation of his eatery, Blumenthal has now ensured that Fat Duck in Bray, west London, has retained its three-star rating. During its brief hiatus from London, the chef relocated the eatery to Melbourne, Australia; which in turn inspired the six-month pop-up Down Under.

Re-opening to much fanfare in fall 2015, the chef unveiled a new concept that was based on a multi-sensory menu inspired by his childhood. One innovation that seemed to catch the attention of the Michelin’s inspectors was the ticketing system that allowed foodies to reserve a table. This system has now become a trend, thanks to The Fat Duck. “Our inspectors had many meals here during the course of the year and found the restaurant invigorated, rejuvenated and unquestionably worthy of being re-awarded our highest accolade,” said Rebecca Burr, the Michelin Guide’s Great Britain and Ireland editor.

Other restaurants that were awarded three-star ratings include Gordon Ramsay, Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester and The Waterside Inn. Raby Hunt by chef James Close, was awarded a two-star rating while 17 new restaurants were included in the one-star category this year. Alongside the accolades for the restaurants and eateries, the firm also gave out new Michelin awards that honored outstanding personnel in the hotel and restaurant sector. Chef Clare Smyth, who previously helmed the Gordon Ramsay restaurant, won the Michelin Female Chef Award and is set to open her own establishment. The team from Peel’s restaurant at Hampton Manor was awarded the Michelin Welcome and Service Award.

Heston Blumenthal was one of the iconic chefs of 2015. © AFP PHOTO/BEN STANSALL