Thumbs up for bistro

A TOUCH of Gallic flair could soon be coming to Mayfield if plans for a bistro and delicatessen are approved.

The one-time head chef of London's oldest French restaurant has lodged a planning application with Wealden District Council to turn the former offices of Scientific Update into a top-class eatery.

The new restaurant, at the picturesque Wyvern Cottage, would offer a range of foods from across the continent.

Applicant Richard Sawyer was, until recently, head chef at Mon Plaisir restaurant in Covent Garden, which was established in 1942. He intends to run the bistro and deli with his wife Elaine.

Mr Sawyer, of Ivy House, Mark Cross, said: 'We will be keeping very much in with the character of Mayfield. Wyvern Cottage is a very pretty building and it would suit housing a bistro.

'We will not be applying for an alcohol licence straight away. Instead, we will invite people to bring their own wine. We think that would be a nice touch and, more importantly, people are very aware of being ripped off with wine nowadays.'

The bistro would be on two levels, with seating for 20 downstairs and 10 upstairs..

The parish council is concerned about the proposed sign and canopy and whether there would be sufficient toilet facilities. But otherwise members have told the district that they have no further objections. project.'