Is there anything better than a good delicatessen? Well probably. I suppose world peace and all those sorts of things would be marginally better. But whilst world peace is probably a rather tricky thing to implement, a really good deli is eminently achievable – if you know what you’re doing that is, and are willing to put in some serious work.

Emma and I popped down to the newly opened Mount Street Deli on the day it opened and it turns out that the people behind it – manager Hannah Gutteridge and head chef Mary Lewis – certainly seem to know what they’re doing, and have worked their socks off implementing their ideas. One of the interesting things about this smart new deli is that it offers favourite dishes from many of the nearby private members’ clubs – scotch eggs from Mark’s Club, pizza from Harry’s Bar and the off-the-scale-amazing chocolate cake from Annabel’s. How democratic.

It only opened that morning, but as we turn up for at lunchtime, the place is already bustling. It doesn’t feel new; it feels right. A fellow in a snazzy checked suit sits outside reading the paper, content despite the nearby roadworks. Inside, a diverse clientèle – from ladies who lunch to greying gents with bobbly red noses – all look rather delighted with their lot. And why wouldn’t they be? The counter is choc-a-bloc with all manner of delightful delicacies – scotch eggs, pork pies, pâté, amazing breads, meringues… The shelves are laden with jars and tins and bottles – pink peppercorn mustard, rich olive oils, Convivial Yorkshire crisps (whatever they are) and Pouilly-Fuissé.

We’re brought a platter of assorted goodness to kick things off – slivers of Milano salami and mortadella, richly nutty manchego, salt-buttered asparagus, and meaty green olives. Next up comes a hefty wedge of bacon and leek quiche – creamy and delicious, with buttery flaky pastry. Finally, a platter of sweetness: millionaire shortbread, a triumphant almond Bakewell and probably the gooiest most perfect brownie I’ve ever tasted. An excellent espresso caps a lovely little lunch.

Pottering happily into the sunlight, one thought crosses my mind: thank God our office is nowhere near Mayfair, or I think I’d spend my life in this place. They’re open from 8am to 8pm, everything’s delicious and they have wine. You’d only need to leave for cocktails and the occasional snooze.

www.themountstreetdeli.co.uk