GRAZE - as good as it gets!

France or Fulham Road in 5 Mins.

In the past having just returned from my annual sailing pilgrimage or two to French shores, where I know I can safely rely on a blend of 'bon viveur', copious amounts of good affordable wine and a bountiful supply of fresh shellfish; I would always return somewhat dejected, realising that another year may go by before I can look forward again to such treats. Of course I can empty the piggy bank and head up to London where there are a myriad of places offering most of the above, but frankly that defeats the object and anyway, having grown up there, I can never find myself treating our capital as a holiday destination, more a place I'm obliged to frequent now and then.

As we rounded Bridge Buoy this Sunday and hurtled past the Needles, despite the pretty strenuous crossing in 30 knots of wind and a somewhat hairy dead run down the Solent, I realised that the sense of loss to which I'd become accustomed every year had been replaced instead by a comforting thought; for all the best bits of the weekend I've just had in St Vaast this time, have more recently been packaged with tremendous style and sophistication right on my doorstep and into a very special place indeed called Graze.

Now; where Niki and Kate Robinson the owners have been so very clever is that they have absolutely grasped the essence of what it is that Lymington was once missing and not only provided it, but done so in such a spectacular way. As a result, they have quickly attracted a following beyond the demanding ex towny's like me and embraced a much wider audience of discerning locals who needed something informal but just a tad up-market where they could chill out, eat like King's & Queens and make new friends.

This quick success can't be achieved by just getting the decor right and finessing the experience with perfect little touches, which of course they both have, but it is also about creating an inclusive atmosphere to suit everyone. I have to be honest I'd previously and mistakenly heard that when it first opened, it was a bit cliquey and in some ways perhaps that can be quite cool. In reality it's just because it's so very good that one feels like you are one of the 'us' as opposed to one of the 'them', and when you meet Niki, Kate, Pete, Liam, Paul (Le Chef) and the rest of the team, you'll soon realise that everyone is 'in' at Graze. (That suits me to be honest, because I love to watch and meet new people and the last thing I'd want is to frequent a place full of the same old faces anyway. I also happen to know for a fact that Niki & Kate feel absolutely the same way.)

So whether you are visiting Lymington by yacht, car, helicopter or Shank's pony then let me try and explain why you should go to Graze, for lunch, dinner or just for a few drinks. First and foremost, the moment you put your foot through the door, the style is self-evident and the nod and the wink from the bar will make you feel like an old friend. Casually you'll find yourself engaged in a conversation which will drift to what you may wish to drink or eat, and by then of course, probably without realising it, you're glowing from that sense of feeling completely comfortable with your surroundings. The no-smoking inside policy means that the place isn't oppressive for those that don't and relaxed enough for those that do to escape to the garden and indulge without feeling like a leper. You'll probably also be somewhat surprised that once part of the furniture you soon forget you're not in London, Paris or some other much larger cosmopolitan town or city.

When you do decide to find a table inside or outside under the new and very funky sail styled awnings and 'proper' heaters, where you can settle into the real business of exercising your palates, the quality doesn't abate. There are dishes to suit all tastes and last week I shared a 'Fruits De Mer' with a friend and Client and in hindsight haven't apologised yet for attacking it like I've been doing time for a few years, so my sincere apologies; you know who you are! ;-) The fish is of course fresh daily and as you've probably gathered a personal favourite. Nevertheless, the rest of the menu is equally as well presented and with just enough of that 'twist' to surprise and delight. The Cappuccino Creme Brulees being one such example. I'm working my way through it of course and will report accordingly, but to see the kind of thing on offer, please click here!

Looking back over the rantings above, I somehow feel there ought to be a 'but' and if indeed I could think of one, I would have mentioned it. This time I'm afraid there just isn't one. As I said before Graze is special with a capital G, but don't take my word for it, go there and find out for yourselves and maybe tell them you were recommended by a very big fan.

JS

PS. If you are ever organising a wedding, corporate function etc. then Graze is now doing external catering. I've spoken to some of their Clients on the receiving end and was genuinely told that in many years it was the first time their guests had commented on the quality of the food. Need I say more?

Graze - bar & kitchen
9 Gosport Street
Lymington
Hampshire
SO41 9BG

Telephone - 01590 675595

Email - info@grazingfoodchain.com