I’m no stranger to The Ivy, the original nor the brasserie offsprings so writing a review for somewhere so consistently excellent certainly doesn’t feel like work!
I was lucky enough to always secure a table at the original, incredibly famous Central London West Street Ivy, thanks to working at the BBC throughout studying my BA and MA at Goldsmiths’ University of London. I distinctly remember sending in faxes from the BBC to book tables, which is showing my age and ingenuity, if nothing else!
Amongst many other memorable meals, I actually celebrated my Master’s with dinner at The Ivy with my family after my graduation ceremony. A celebrity-haunt, it was hard but important not to stare at the movie and TV stars dining at our every turn.
Fast forward to 2025 and the Ivy Brasseries have expanded to most big cities, the brain-child of entrepreneur and philathropist, Richard Caring, who sold his controlling shares to Troia in January last year.
The roll-out has clearly been smooth and a stomping success, as aforementioned, the food, ambience and service is top-notch and hasn’t been compromised in any way from its original, as is so often the case when it comes to spin-offs.
Today’s lunch was dedicated to my wonderful mother, and delivering the fourth draft of my children’s book sent to my editor on Monday!
Clinking our fragrant pear and pomegranate bellinis in celebration of a child-free lunch, thanks to my trio of children being at school and nursery respectively, it felt wonderful to be amongst the striking floral artwork, basking under the light of the high sky-light window above us in our central table!
For starter, we opted for the The Ivy 1917 cure smoked salmon with rye bread and a twice-baked stilton and walnut cheese soufflé in a cream sauce. The smoked salmon was lightly and perfectly cured with sprouted rye bread for a tasty introduction to the meal. My mother adored the smooth and creamy soufflé so much, she said she could happily eat it every day.
I’d like to note that the portions for every course were so ample, we felt comfortably full by the end, making it great value for money for such a refined lunch.
Main course was the mouthwatering chicken supreme Milanese with truffle sauce, crumbed chicken breast, a fried hen’s egg, parmesan and salad mâche for myself. I managed just half and had the lunch not been a review and I hadn’t felt self-conscious, I would have asked for a doggy bag so as to eat it for dinner!
My Mum plumped for the Rendang duck curry with slow-braised duck, sweet potato, chilli, plant-based coconut “yoghurt”, choy sum, toasted coconut, jasmin rice and coriander cress. Striking that fine balance between being delicate, fragrant but also substantial and filling, this was another excellent, heartwarming dish.
Lastly, the pièce de résistance and the most theatrical third act of our meal was dessert with Apple Tart Fine: baked apple tart with vanilla ice cream and Calvados flambé, which our attentive waitress Nicole, set alight for us!
My mother, who was definitely at pleasant capacity by this point, opted for the refreshing classic frozen berries desert of selected berries and redcurrants, frozen yoghurt, white chocolate sauce and liquid nitrogen smoke ascending from it, no less.
The staff were all thoughtful, endearing and made us feel comfortable throughout.
What a sensory experience, a feast for both the eyes and the tastebuds alike. The Ivy Harrogate Brasserie and Garden truly is a joy to behold. It’s ‘mother’, the original Ivy, would be proud.
Our meal was complimentary but the words are my own and entirely honest.
Order my debut children's book
Greek Myths, Folktales & Legends for 9-12 year olds
Published by Scholastic. Available on Amazon
