As autumn descends, bringing with it falling leaves, cooler temperatures and grey skies, the allure of a warm cuppa by a crackling fire becomes irresistible.

For food enthusiasts, there’s a gastronomic haven just a short distance from London that is an absolute must-visit.

Nestled on the banks of the River Thames is Bray, a quintessentially British village that boasts not one, but two of the UK’s nine three-Michelin-starred restaurants.

Among these culinary gems is The Fat Duck, helmed by the ‘gastronomic magician’ Heston Blumenthal.

Drawing inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’, The Fat Duck challenges diners to rethink their understanding of food and taste.

With his innovative approach and rule-defying science, Heston has been wowing guests for nearly three decades in this Berkshire village.

The restaurant offers tasting menus featuring both culinary and visual masterpieces, with prices ranging from £275 to £395 per person.

Details about the dishes are often kept minimal, with only intriguing titles provided.

Diners can look forward to courses such as ‘Sound of the Sea’, ‘Crab Ice Cream’, and ‘Like a Kid in a Sweet Shop’.

The Fat Duck quickly earned its Michelin stars, receiving its first in 1999, second in 2002, and completing the trio with the highest honour in 2004, reports the Mirror.

Heston Blumenthal’s other culinary ventures, Dinner by Heston and The Hinds Head, are located in London and Bray respectively.

Dinner by Heston boasts two Michelin stars, while The Hinds Head offers traditional pub food in a historic landmark of the village.

Just a stone’s throw away on the riverbank is the second three-Michelin-starred establishment, The Waterside Inn, managed by the renowned Roux family.

The late Albert and Michel Roux Sr. opened The Waterside Inn as their second venture after the iconic Le Gavroche in Mayfair, which sadly closed its doors in January this year.

Michel Sr’s son Alain, cousin to familiar face Michel Jr, has been steering the ship since 2002, continuing over half a century of culinary excellence.

In the inaugural UK Michelin Guide, published in 1974, the restaurant was awarded one star, then two in 1977 and three in 1985.

It holds the unique distinction of being the only restaurant outside France to have retained three stars ever since.

Its A la Carte menu comes with a hefty price tag of either £190 or £240 per person for two or three courses, respectively.

Menu highlights include Duo of Scottish langoustine tartare and tails; Poached medallion of monkfish and cheek brandade; and Merrifield Farm duck breast.

Beyond the gastronomic delights found in Bray, consider a relaxing cruise on a skippered yacht along the Thames, if you can brave the chill.

The village is also conveniently located a short distance from the Royal town of Windsor.