Chef Simon McKenzie Reviews

Kirsten Burrow 2025.10.22

     

I recently worked with Simon and his team on a garden wedding celebration near Henley on Thames, for my clients son, who was based overseas. There were quite a few logistical elements which made planning a little tricky, not to mention that I was arranging the event remotely from the opposite end of the country. The event changed direction a few times, had various last minute additions and the added tension of unpredictable weather to navigate for an outdoor BBQ and buffet in a stretch tent, with the kitchen being in a separate location simply added to the fun! Simon's food went down an absolute storm with most guests going up for 2nd helpings, even the children! His team were incredibly professional always smiling, and just a complete delight to work alongside. The food was so good, there were only a few late night nibbles left for the those who stayed on late into the night! I like to work with suppliers who I can essentially leave to run their elements knowing that I can be completely confident to be managing the event and dealing with all guest and behind the scenes elements worry free. I would 100% hire Simon and his team to cater for any event I was to run and catering was required, whether that be a corporate or private client event, requiring excellent quality food and 1st class service.

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2025.10.24

Hi Kirsten

Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review, it really is appreciated.

It was a pleasure to provide our services for the wedding and very much enjoyed all of the moving parts to this.

We were delighted everyone enjoyed the food and experience so much and loved helping making special memories of such a special occasion.

Best Wishes

Simon & Team

Louise Lobley 2025.10.18

     

Simon and Evie produced a wonderful evening for 8 at our home last night. Very professional from start to finish. The communication beforehand was excellent and the evening ran like clockwork. The food was delicious and the attention to detail excellent. Wouldn’t hesitate to use Simon again.

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2025.10.18

Hi Louise
It was a pleasure to come along and cook for you all and we are delighted you enjoyed the food and experience.
Many thanks also for taking the time to leave us a review, it is really appreciated.

Best wishes
Simon & Evie

Anne Huddart 2025.10.05

     

Simon prepared a superb dinner for 8 of us to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. We talked about the menu we wanted and Simon guided us on our choices. The food was delicious and the service so friendly. Thank you Simon you made our evening very special.

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2025.10.06

Hi Anne

Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review. Aisling and I were delighted to be part of the celerbration and were s happy everyone enjoyed the food and experience.

Best wishes

Simon & Aisling

Lesley Mowatt 2025.09.22

     

Simon and his excellent team catered for my husbands birthday celebration with his canape and bowl food menu.The food was delicious and so well timed in its delivery and he catered so well for the guests with food allergies or preferences, everyone was so impressed. My kitchen was immaculate when he left and I have received nothing but praise from all our family and friends. I would highly recommend Simon for any event, he is a complete professional and a Top Chef.

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2025.10.02

Hi Lesley

Many thanks for the review, it really is appreciated.

It was such a lovely day and the team and I really enjoyed cooking and looking after everyone. Bowl food is one of my favorite events and it was fantastic hearing the feedback from guests during the event from each course.

Best Wishes

Simon & Team

Helen David 2025.09.01

     

Simon and his team provided delicious canapés and a wonderful three course lunch to celebrate my father's 90th birthday. All the guests commented on the lovely flavours of the food and the beautiful presentation. Simon is a pleasure to plan an event with and we are repeat customers !

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2025.10.02

Hi Helen

Many thaks for the review and kind comments.

It has always been a pleasure to cook for you from restaurant boxes through lockdown to coming along for such a special occasion.

Hope to cook for you again in the future

Simon & Team

Laurence Morris 2025.08.18

     

What an amazing experience. I asked Chef Simon McKenzie if he would agree to do a BBQ evening at my house for my Stag night. We were not disappointed. We certainly did not get burnt meat or charcoaled sausages - The canapes to start were incredible, each one a different flavour, and the meat and salads were unbelievable. The quality of the food and the service we received was first class, and everything was left so tidy after they finished. If you are looking for something really special then I have no hesitation in recommending Simon and his team. A truly memorable evening.

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2025.10.02

Hi Laurence

Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review, it is greatly appreciated.

I'm so pleased you enjoyed the food and experience, you were a fun group to look after.

Many thanks for the opportunity

Simon

Carl Burgess 2025.06.30

     

Great experience using Simon and his team. The food and service was first class, all the guests praised it.

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2025.07.19

Hi Carl

Many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review.
The team and I were delighted to come along and cook and look after you all for the afternoon and so happy you enjoyed the food and experience.

Best wishes

Simon

Ken Amott 2025.05.26

     

Simon and his team were absolutely wonderful and helped to make my wife's 60th birthday party a truly memorable event. The food was outstanding and the service was exceptional throughout.

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2025.07.19

Hi Ken

Many thanks for your kind comments. We were delighted to be part of the planning process and so pleased everyone enjoyed the food and experience.

Best Wishes

Simon

Gerben Van San 2025.05.24

     

We had the pleasure of experiencing a fabulous canapé and drinks service by private chef Simon and his exceptional team at our home yesterday. From the start, Simon's communication and clarity of instructions were outstanding. His willingness to accommodate various menu options was a testament to his flexibility and dedication to customer satisfaction. Simon and the team arrived promptly, and the quality of the canapés was nothing short of Michelin star level – both in taste and presentation. Each bite was a culinary delight, leaving our guests thoroughly impressed. A special mention goes to Aisling and her impeccable waitering team. Their service was flawless; guests were never without a drink, and their friendliness added a delightful touch to the evening. Their professional presence ensured that everyone felt attended to and could enjoy the event to the fullest. I wholeheartedly recommend Chef Simon and his team for any occasion. They have set a high standard for private catering, and I am certain to engage their services for future parties. Thank you, Simon, Aisling, and the team, for making the evening so memorable.

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2025.07.19

Hi Gerben

Many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review, it really is appreciated.

Aisling, myself and the team were delighted to be part of the special occasion and are so pleased the canapés were enjoyed by all.

Best wishes

Simon, Aisling and team

Ruth Emblin-James 2025.04.27

     

Simon was great! Arrived bang on time, showed his what he needed and left him and Ellie to it. Simon was very likeable and professional. Ellie who was looking after us for the evening was great, attentive and warm. The food was great!! No complaints at all! The dessert and starters for me were my favs! Cauliflower valute and raspberry parfait! Would definitely hire again! This was for a special 40th meal with the family. Thanks again Simon and Ellie

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2025.07.19

HI Ruth

Many thanks for the kind comments and lovely review. Ellie and I loved cooking and looking after you for the evening and are delighted you enjoyed the food and experience.

Best wishes

Simon & Ellie

Dorthe Hagelskjær 2025.04.22

     

We had a wonderful family dinner catered for by Simon and his amazing team. The food was of the highest standard, as was the service and we wouldn’t hesitate to book them again for an event.

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2025.07.19

Hi Dorthe

Many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review. We were delighted to be part of such a special occasion and so pleased everyone enjoyed the food and experience.

Best Wishes

Simon and team

David Arnold 2025.02.18

     

Simon and Aisling put on a spectacular evening for our 8 guests. The cooking was out of this world, and everything so smooth and well thought out. Would highly highly recommend

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2025.02.24

Hi David
Many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review, it really is appreciated as are your kind comments.
It was a really fun evening for us, we love running our interactive tasting menu and giving a glimpse of what happens in your kitchen during dinner!
Best wishes
Simon and Team

Philip Alcock 2024.09.30

     

SImon and his wonderful team provided a superb tasting menu experience at our home for my Mother's 80th Birthday and 16 of her closest friends. It was a fantastic evening, every course was wonderfully prepared and presented nd the relaxed yet formal style of his team helped make for a wonderful atmosphere. We have since had some very warm feedback from those who attended echoing the same thing. With everything being cleared up for us after there was nothing else to do but sit back and reflect on a wonderful evening. Thank you Simon and all your team.

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2024.09.30

Hi Phil

Many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review and for your kind comments. It was a pleasure to come along and cook for you all - especially for such a lovely occasion and we enjoyed planning this with you.
Look forward to hopefully cooking for you again in the future.
Simon & Team

Josephine Hill 2024.09.23

     

We recently hired chef Simon McKenzie and the team for a big birthday celebration at our home. Having never done this before we really did not know what to expect, but the whole evening completely surpassed our best expectations. The food was absolutely amazing - The comments from our friends all evening throughout dinner, and afterwards, were nothing but glowing - everyone loved the canapés and 5 course Mediterranean inspired menu, and thought the flavours just wonderful! The service was also fantastic - Aisling and Henry were brilliant, discreet yet attentive and so lovely. THANK YOU to you Simon, Aisling and Henry for making my night so special. We will certainly be recommending you to everyone we know!

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2024.09.23

Hi Josephine
Many thanks for your very kind comments.
It was a pleasure to come along and cook for you and your guests. The team and I thoroughly enjoyed running the event and looking after you and your guests. Many thanks for the opportunity to help you mark the occasion.
Best wishes
Simon & Team

charlotte Halsall 2024.09.19

     

When I first began reaching out to chefs and caterers for my wedding, my priority was finding someone who wasn’t just a typical mass caterer churning out events. I wanted someone with personality, exceptional service, and high-quality food. Over the course of the year, Simon and I collaborated to create a personalised menu, including a bespoke dessert my husband and I enjoyed every time we visited Switzerland. Guests couldn’t stop raving about how incredible the food was, especially the beef, which some had been hesitant about being served at a wedding but loved once they tasted it. Simon also accommodated various allergies and dietary preferences which we had many. What truly sets Simon apart, though, is his outstanding service team. They ensured everyone’s glasses were always full—something that was incredibly important at my wedding. Thank you, Simon! I look forward to working with you again!

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2024.09.19

Hi Charly

Many thanks for the very kind review and comments. It was a pleasure working on your wedding with you and the team and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of the special day.

I will pass on your kind comments to the service team as I am sure they will love to hear you are so happy with their work; I am very proud of them and they work so hard to maintain my standards and surpass guest expectations at every opportunity.

Look forward to cooking for you again in the future

Simon & Team

Niki Wright 2024.09.02

     

Fantastic week of 3 meals a day for our whole family including a fine dining experience every evening. Simon produced many stunning dishes and all presented with impeccable service. He truly made our holiday! I highly recommend.

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2024.09.02

Hi Niki
Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review and also for your very kind comments.
It was a pleasure looking after you all for the week. You were all such a lovely, relaxed group, it made my job easy.
Best Wishes
Simon

Grahame Barnes 2024.08.01

     

We had Simon and his team provide the food, drinks and set up for my wife's 40th birthday garden party. Everything was exceptionally well organised. Communication was quick and efficient and we were supported with menu choices and tweaks. The food was amazing and Evie and Abi did a great job of looking after us during the meal. It was a real treat, so thanks for a great experience!

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2024.08.01

Hi Grahame
Many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review.
I'm delighted you enjoyed the food and experience and that we could tailor everything to your requirements. It was a pleasure being part of such a special day.
Best wishes
Simon & Team

Janette Brown 2024.07.09

     

Thankyou Simon, Aisling and team for a really special garden party with beautiful food and presentation - it is just as good in real life as in the photos. And so grateful for your flexibility on timing and numbers as we juggled the HRR racing schedule and the weather. We were so relieved to have the benefit of your experience to manage the day. We look forward to seeing you again!

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2024.07.10

Hi Janette
Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review and your very kind comments.
We will always go the extra mile to make sure your event goes to plan, even when these have to tweak last minute.
I'm so pleased you enjoyed the food, experience and most importantly your special occasion.
Best wishes
Simon and team

Lizzie Micuta 2024.06.11

     

I would just like recommend Chef Simon Mckenzie and his team. They kindly travelled to Faringdon in Oxfordshire to cater for our special family gathering to celebrate some ‘big’ birthdays. The food was absolutely delicious, superb attention to detail and the team were nothing but polite and professional. Being able to relax and enjoy our time together rather than running around cooking, laying tables and serving, we could just sit in the sunshine, laugh, chat and make some special memories. Thank you all so much for making our afternoon so wonderful 🥰

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2024.06.11

HI Lizzie

Many thanks for taking the time to leave us a review.
It was a delight to cook and look after you all and be part of your special occasion.

You were all a lovely group and made our job very easy.

Hope to cook for you again in the future

Simon & Team

Anne Wilson 2024.01.16

     

What a fabulous dinner! All thanks to Simon and his team. We chose the seven course tasing menu and weren’t disappointed! Simon worked with us on a menu combination that would work for us and it really paid off. Everyone, absolutely everyone loved the amazing menu. Depth of flavour, lovely taste, and texture. We also decided to add a cheese course and the choice of cheeses and home-made chutney were a hit... Despite full tummies, everyone still managed to find space for them. A lovely array of choice, ripe and ready to eat. The service was seamless, and the team were very attentive without being overbearing. Thank you for making our evening so memorable!

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Reply from Chef Simon McKenzie 2024.01.17

Hi Anne
Many thanks for your lovely comments, it was a pleasure to cook for you all again and help mark the occasion with happy memories!
You are all such a fun group to look after and me and the service team had lots of fun interacting with you all.
I will share your comments with the whole team as I know they will be thrilled to read.

Best Wishes
Simon