Heston Blumenthal hopes to reopen Fat Duck this week

Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal is hoping to reopen his three-Michelin-starred restaurant the Fat Duck this week.

Blumenthal, chef-proprietor of the iconic restaurant in Bray, Berkshire, closed the Fat Duck last Tuesday after up to 40 diners were afflicted with a mystery illness resulting in vomiting and diarrhoea.

Environmental health inspectors were called in to scour the restaurant kitchens for signs of malpractice last Wednesday. However, so far all test results have come back clear.

As of yet, no direct cause had been established as the root of the problem, but Blumenthal insisted that "absolutely no food-poisoning organisms have been found".

"It is proving more and more likely that this has been the result of some sort of virus," he added. "We are still waiting for further test results but are confident we will be given the all clear soon and will be able to reopen the Fat Duck before the end of the week."

Blumenthal admitted that the decision to shut the restaurant was a "massive financial hit" but insisted it was the right choice.

He said: "I have serious regrets about the whole situation and it's been deeply upsetting. But closing the restaurant was morally and technically the only option."

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By Kerstin Kühn

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