The Ivy

Had a good night at the Ivy to celebrate daughter’s birthday.

But there are some buts: £300 bill for 5 include £10 cover charge, surely not necessary with the prices they charge. If you go for just the food, could be spoilt because the place is crowded, noisy and cramped. Gents badly placed, Ladies nothing special. Conclusion: good but expensive food served in a well staffed “brasserie”.
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M.Bull
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Thursday, July 02, 2009

I took my girlfriend here yesterday for her birthday before heading to the theatre. We had an early table, 5.30 but the restaurant soon filled up.

Overall it reminded me of American steak houses (the decent ones). It was hot yesterday, and while cooler in the restaurant, the temperature was still slightly uncomfortable when eating. After our starter, my girlfriend, who's not one to ever protest about being warm, called one of the restaurant managers over to request the air con be notched down (cooler). He said he would lower it but it might take a while. It was still as hot by the time we left.

Service was good, if not bordering on being too attentive. This was probably due to being an early table. As the restaurant filled up we were left to our meal.

My girlfriend wanted a picture of us but there's no photography allowed, I had a suspicion they wouldn't allow it, so not really a surprise but you might want to book elsewhere if you want a capture your celebratory meal for posterity.

I ordered the seared foie gras (never had it before), it was OK but not something I'd order again in a hurry. My gf didn't like it. I had the Blythburgh slow cooked pork belly, it was good, if not a little bit too fatty.

My gf ordered the seafood bisque for starter, and soft shelled crab with tomato and mozzarella salad for main. I think she enjoyed both.

It was an experience but not somewhere we'd rush back to, nice to say you've been there. You're sat fairly close to neighbouring tables and the couple next to us had strong Essex accents 'sorta fing', that detracted from the atmosphere slightly.

I wouldn't say the meal was particularly value for money but then I didn't expect it to be, it was meant to be an occasion.
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Greg K
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 5
Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Had a splendid meal at the Ivy last wek. I had what Ray Winstone always orders. Sausage and mash and it was the nicest i have ever tasted. i then ate the lamb with parmezan mash. I know its unusual to have 2 main courses but i have a big appetite. I finished off with ice cream and 2 bottles of blue nun....superb.
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mario ruffy
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Monday, June 22, 2009

My wife and I visited the Ivy on Friday night pre theatre. I called on Tuesday and they had one table left so I grabbed it.

The whole experience was great. The service was attentive yet relaxed. They got all the timings just right so we did not feel rushed.

A really good option if you are a veggie. My wife felt like she was well catered as they have a special veggie menu.

A really good time was had and I think this will be our special wedding anniversary restaurant from now on (if we can get in!)
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BS
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Monday, June 15, 2009

Oh dear. The review below sums The Ivy up now - you were impressed that you didn't have to lift a drinks bottle all night! Have you never been to a decent restaurant before? Obviously nowadays The Ivy appeals more to the kind of people that usually eat in Pizza Hut...

Nice restaurant, shame about the clientele...
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James W
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 6 | Value for money 7
Wednesday, May 06, 2009

We visited the Ivy for a 21st birthday and were not disappointed! In our opinion it certainly derserves the hype surrounding it. We didn't have starters but went straight onto a shepherds pie and pork sausages and mash which although not the most exotic courses on the menu were really really good. Managed to save some room for desert which proved to be a very good move. The service was amazing, we didn't have to pick up a drinks bottle all night! However the coffee was, to put it bluntly, disgusting. However, we had a really good experience here and if we save up enough pennies, we will be back!
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Katie and Hanna
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Sunday, April 19, 2009

We had an extremely large group at The Ivy over the weekend and I have to say that it was fantastic. We drank as many bottles of Champagne as we could and it never ran out.

Each dish was cooked to perfection and we had an aray of children with us who also all enjoyed themselves. The price was as expcected...HIGH. This does not mean that we didn't get value for money. It was worth every penny.

The only problem we had was out of the Restaurants control. That was the inability for any long cars to get close enough to the Restaurant to drop us off or pick us up. I wouldn't recommend the need to spend as much as we did but if you eat and drink in moderation then it is well worth it.
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RCH
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Went to The Ivy a few times in the past and most recently on Mothers Day 22/3/09. Ordered the Bang Bang Chicken as a starter and that was OK. The Lamb, Chicken and Fish were ordered by my guests.... ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC. Yes Each dish was excellent. So good infact that we ordered another plate of lamb. (greedy). We were served by "Beata" who was probably the best staff member I have come across in 15 years and after having eaten in The Burj Al Arab, that's saying something.

Stuck to the Rose Laurent Perrier, perfect. Just needed an Ice bucket on our table. If you have troublesome kids, please leave them at home as it's certainly not a ball pool. Well behaved children who remain seated and don't scream are treated "Really Special". Would I go again? Too late, beat you to it. I've Already Booked!!
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Robert
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Monday, March 30, 2009

Went here for lunch to day with a friend. Have not been for quite a while, and having read the reviews was concerned it may have gone down hill. But no, service was first class, seated early and waiters attentive but not overbearing. Started with smoked salmon, followed by duck and then creme brulee. First class. Had a lovely relaxing time. Still my favorite!
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Jean
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 8
Friday, March 20, 2009

I went to the Ivy for Valentine's Day this year and had quite a surprise. This eaterie used to have an air of exclusivity but has now become a beeline for hen parties, X Factor wannabies and half of Essex. When you get people wanting to take photographs in the restaurant, you know it's not a place you want to be. It's in danger of becoming an upmarket version of the Rock Garden at this rate. You used to see genuinely famous people in there but now it seems to be the latest Pop Idol or Big Brother entrant. Very sad because it's a really nice place and the food is pleasant, if slightly overpriced. I would stick to the British traditional fare like mutton soup or bangers and mash - don't try their foreign dishes because it's not a great experience. The bill is not as horrendous as you'd think. The service is very efficient. But I think the poor waiters must realise this place is being patronised by people they'd rather not be serving. J Sheekey is a sister restaurant and I would go there in future and be in a more exclusive environment.
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Ross Todhunter
Overall rating
Food 6 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 4 | Value for money 5
Saturday, February 21, 2009