Fat Duck's Heston to open London restaurant

Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal is spreading his wings to the big smoke of London.

The culinary alchemist, who owns the Michelin three-starred The Fat Duck, in Bray, will open a new eaterie at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hyde Park in autumn 2010.

It will have three times the dining space of his Bray restaurant and will offer a range of dishes.

The name of the restaurant is yet to be revealed.

Heston Blumenthal, said of the new  venture: "I am thrilled at the prospect of opening a restaurant in such a central London location.

"I have great respect for the Mandarin Oriental brand and working in partnership with the hotel group is a natural step and one which offers an exciting opportunity."

Mr Blumenthal is also working with members of the Mandarin Oriental and internationally renowned designer, Adam Tihany, to create the restaurant's interior.