It was Fathers' Day and since my dad lives in London, I would have to spoil myself. So my partner and I headed to the Winchester Mansions for their legendary jazz brunch at Harvey' Restaurant.

I had oft heard of these so-called 'brunches' but honestly have no idea why I've never been before.

It's like that restaurant down the road from you that you hear is really, really good but when you think of somewhere to go for dinner, you always forget that it's there. The next time you see it, you're like, "Oh yes I must try that place sometime, I hear it's great", while your other half looks at you as though you've got Alzheimer's...

'One fool-proof way to start a Sunday'

On arrival at 11am (sleep is valuable on a weekend) we were met with a glass of Pierre Jourdan Champagne — one fool-proof way to start a Sunday.

We were seated in front of a bubbling fountain in the courtyard — where creepers scale the walls of this colonial masterpiece, built in the mid 1920's in the style of renowned architect Sir Herbert Baker.

With all the frills, the Mansions reflect luxury of a bygone area, a time before recession, of extravagance and tranquillity.

I could easily have been transported to another time, except for the newspaper headline on our complimentary Sunday paper — 'Suffer little Children': Charities go bust as recession hits.

The good news was that the Boks (narrowly) beated the Lions the day before, and so reason for more Champagne...

Jiving to the tunes...

This particular Sunday the Andrew Lilly band featuring a sultry Nikki Schrire (think Edith Piaf) filled the space with delightful jazz music, perfect to unwind to.

I spotted to little girls jiving to the tunes, while families all around enjoyed their dads' company. It certainly made me a little sentimental.

The brunch is buffet style and the only problem you will have is deciding where to start.

With a real-life sushi chef on hand, delectable pastries laid out, desserts fit for Marie Antoinette in abundance, and some rather decadent salads, the hot breakfast becomes and afterthought...

The restaurant was teeming with people in a rather festive mood and it felt like a celebration of great food with extended family.

Food and Beverage Manager, John Hayward, fluttered around the place making sure everyone was enjoying themselves and even popped to our table for a chat now and again.

On my menu?

To warm up, pumpkin seed muffin with gorgonzola cheese and fig jam and at least two cappuccinos. Then once fired up, smoked salmon, diced fruit, some form of prawn cocktail salad, sushi and a touch of fruit juice. An hour or so later it's time for some scrambled eggs, and to finish off, a small helping of cheese cake...

How it possible to eat all of this? Well we lingered chatting and reading the paper from 11am to 2pm — plenty of time for digestion.

At the Winchester Mansions although you feel you are in the lap of luxury there's also a homely ora to the place, and somewhere were although I wouldn't put my feet up exactly, I felt like I was...

Want to visit?

The Winchester Mansions' Jazz Brunch takes place every Sunday from 11am to 2pm and costs R195 per person. Receive a complimentary Sunday newspaper and a glass of bubbly on arrival and enjoy anything from eggs to cakes...

The next featured jazz band: 28th June — Andrew Ford trio Featuring Beverly Scott Brown.

For all enquiries & bookings contact +27 21 434 2351 or visit www.winchester.co.za