It was left in my capable Australian hands to choose the venue for a catch up amongst old work colleagues, so showcasing a bit of antipodean culinary flair seemed the only thing to do. And
Suze In Mayfair was just the ticket.
The website tells us that Tom and Susan Glynn came to London from New Zealand over 30 years ago, and that Suze was born out of a combination of homesickness and a passion for Australasian flavours. Tucked away off busy Oxford Street, the awning was a welcome sight on an evening when London's Indian Summer seemed a distant memory, and manager Joe's warm greeting combined with the understated décor upon entering was a more than encouraging start.
Stylish decor at Suze
My companions soon joined me and after cracking open a splendid Sauvignon Blanc recommended by Joe himself, it was on with the menu. Three of us chose the Salt and Pepper Squid to start - lightly battered and succulent - while our 4th went for the Scallops, which he made suitably delicious noises about.
Light and succulent Salt and Pepper Squid (Image courtesy of Suze in Mayfair website)
Mains around the table included lamb (which looked pretty good to this non red meat eater), beef pie-of-the-day, sea bream and some fabulous vegetarian pancakes for yours truly. Seriously, pancakes don't sound like much but they were unbelievably scrumptious.
We managed to leave a small space for dessert, tempted by a list that included antipodean classics like Pavlova and Hokey Pokey Ice Cream. I chose the Anzac Cake wondering how the
Anzac biscuits of my nostalgic rememberings would translate into something a bit more luscious than a wartime biscuit. I needn't have worried - it was divine. I'd go back just for another slice.
Pavlova, an Antipodean Classic (Image courtesy of Suze in Mayfair website)
And if all of this doesn't have you reaching for the phone to make a booking, there's always Winston, pure bred apricot pug and 'ladies man':
Winston, apricot pug and 'ladies man (Image courtesy of Suze in Mayfair website)
and a little bit of boozy philosophy on the wine menu:
Bollinger on Boozing
You'll find Joe, Winston and the crew in North Audley Street, about a 7-10min walk (depending on your shoes) from Bond Street or Marble Arch tube stations. Suze In Mayfair is a bit of a hidden treasure, one I'm enormously glad to have unearthed.
