Anyone been to Fat Duck in London?

Is it worth it?!

http://www.thefatduck.co.uk/

Actually, the Fat Duck is just outside of London in Bray.
I've not been, but was invited by a group of friends a few years ago.
It was, obviously, a bit pricey, and having just moved into a flat in London, I didn't really want to spend the money.

I sorely regretted not going afterwards though, as it's definitely more of an experience than just good food. Each course is sort of a show, with great attention to detail and craftsmanship. Just watch an episode of "Heston's Feasts" and you will get an idea. In fact, one of the dishes he did on the show, Mock Turtle Soup, was a dish served to my friends.

You can also try the pub next door to The Fat Duck, The Hinds Head, also run by Heston. Apparently, it's pretty fantastic, cheaper, and easier to get a booking for.

If you're asking if it's worth it, then it's probably not That's not snobbery, it's just a lot of money for quite an amazing experience, IF you care about that kind of thing. If the idea of it just makes you feel bewildered or you're thinking "how much?!" then you wont be able to really enjoy it. For me, high end dining is just like going to a gallery to look at a piece of modern art, it's as much the experience of looking at it, the atmosphere, the craftmanship, the feeling it conveys as the actual thing itself. Someone may show you a picture of a pickled shark, but it wont convey the experience of seeing it, and to some people it may always be  a pickled shark, to others it may resonate things inside of them. There's no right or wrong here, just about personal priorities. 

For me, absolutely that kind of thing is worth it, for others it just seems like a disgusting waste of money  Different strokes I believe

If it was a reservation for just him and me, I'd not ask.  I'd happily go.  BUT he wants to bring his children (8 & 12) who are fairly picky eaters and his mother & sister.  I'm not sure that dishing out for all 6 of us would be worth it.

Guess I was just hoping someone could tell me that it was mind blowing, and I shouldn't care about the money.  I love experimental food, and have been to similar places in NY, but always on a date... not for a family meal.

If it was a reservation for just him and me, I'd not ask.  I'd happily go.  BUT he wants to bring his children (8 & 12) who are fairly picky eaters and his mother & sister.  I'm not sure that dishing out for all 6 of us would be worth it.

Guess I was just hoping someone could tell me that it was mind blowing, and I shouldn't care about the money.  I love experimental food, and have been to similar places in NY, but always on a date... not for a family meal.

Don't bring kids, don't bring picky eaters, it's just a waste unless you have money to burn. If you want to do something really nice with kids, then try something like the Harwood Arms. It's perfect for a high-end but relaxed family meal. It's a 1 star Gastro pub
http://www.harwoodarms.com/

Absolutely don't bring the family.  It's not meant for young children.

Agreed... I will check out the other places and suggest that they might be better, and then get a reservation just forthe two of us at fat duck (if I can). 

Thanks!