Ayers House is the last of the Grand Mansions on North Terrace Boulevard. Sir Henry Ayers was SA Premier seven times, the Home built in 1846 now bears his name as did Uluru. After various roles, as a dance hall, nurses quarters.. public dining returned to the prestigious Ayers House. Since 1973, the venue’s restaurant was the height of fine dining, the first silver service restaurant in SA.

Paxton’s restaurant eventually closed,, the venue solely dedicated to functions & weddings. The current Director Richard McLeod has managed the venue since 1990, he oversees Henry’s Table which opened as a bar & restaurant offering a more relaxed dining than yesteryear.

We attended a Launch Party to celebrate the latest innovative concept, a food truck designed to provide Ayers House’s finest catering services in an affordable format. Henry’s Kitchen food truck can deliver and serve Ayer’s House food to your home, gardens or event! All food is prepared within the 5-star kitchen at Ayers House overseen by Executive chef Paul Groves, who ran Michelin Starred restaurant Dunberry Lodge in Ireland. Bespoke menus can be prepared in consultation with events staff.

Guests at the Launch enjoyed a selection of their popular cocktail menu. We gathered around the fabulous Food Truck, served by the lovely catering staff from Ayers House.

Cold: A succulent Duck Terrine on walnut toast, Smoked Salmon on buckwheat Blini pancakes with dill crème fraiche and red onion relish!

Hot: Slow braised tender bbq Pork Slider with a kimchi slaw & gochujang mayo; Peking duck pancake with cucumber and hoisin; Vietnamese Beef & Spinach rolls, chargrilled with mild chili jam; Wild mushroom, mozzarella & pea Arancini with roasted garlic aioli were a crowd pleaser, Okra & Corn Fritters with Chili caramel.. which were my favourite!

Interesting chat with Richard who collaborated with his brother-in-law Matt Koch to produce Ayers House own ‘Landers Wines’.. celebrating their 5 times Great-grandfather who was Australia’s first vigneron! Richard enjoyed sharing the history of his ancestor, Frenchman Antoine L’Andre and his cousin Francois, were captured by the British while raiding ships for Napoleon. The POW convinced the British that he and his cousin were vignerons extraordinaries, gaining their freedom and a trip to NSW in 1800. Antoine planted 12,000 vine cuttings behind Government House in NSW. After 3 yrs. the first Australian Wine was made by the cousins, Francois was deported from Australia in 1804, Antoine remained here, his descendant Richard & his brother-in-law Matt celebrate 220 years of wine making progress in Australia with the launch of their fabulous Landers Wine!

Matt Koch has been nominated as Winemaker of the Year over his illustrious career, his son Seb is stepping up to work with Henry’s Kitchen. Nam who has worked in the Ayers House kitchen is their Catering Manager. The Team have selected their most popular Menu that can be served in a cocktail setting and served with Landers Wines.

Contact Henry’s Kitchen for more details and Bookings.
Email: catering@ayershouse.com.au
Phone: 0882240666

Words by Jacqueline Collett