Renowned British chef Blumenthal apologizes to diners ill after eating at his restaurant

Renowned British chef apologizes to sick diners

LONDON — Chef Heston Blumenthal has apologized to diners who fell ill after eating at his celebrated Fat Duck restaurant — and has invited them back for a free meal.

Blumenthal says he is sorry that the diners had a bad experience at his restaurant— known for outlandish food like egg and bacon ice cream— in a letter made public Friday.

The Fat Duck was closed for more than two weeks from late February after diners complained of feeling ill after eating there.

A total of 529 diners reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. The Health Protection Agency said last month that they were hit by norovirus and that it was probably introduced by contaminated shellfish.

Blumenthal says he had wanted to write to the diners months ago but was advised against it by lawyers and insurers.