The Ivy re-opened its doors to the public once again on Monday, 1 June. The restaurant closed in January for the first time in over 25 years, in order to carry out an extensive refurbishment which sees one of London’s most iconic restaurants enter a new chapter, ahead of its centenary celebrations in 2017.
Ready for the next 100 years
The interiors, by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio, retain elements of the previous colour palate, but with contemporary additions. Brudnizki comments: “The Ivy has been an integral part of London’s social history throughout the 20th century. We instinctively knew that its new look had to incorporate the much-loved features that made it famous – the wood panelling, the harlequin stained glass windows and works by British artists. So we have tied these elements in with our new design to establish the restaurant and private room firmly in the 21st century, ready for the next 100 years.”
In April, many of the contents of The Ivy including artwork, cutlery, glassware and linen napkins were auctioned by Sotheby’s, raising over £1 million in aid of Child Bereavement UK. Everything from entrance doors to the ladies’ loo sign and the cloakroom tip tray went under the hammer – some indication of the extent of the re-design.
Intimacy retained
On entering, where the bar once stood, the restaurant now opens up, allowing a clear view of the whole space. The original stained glass windows are enhanced by the addition of silver mirrored panels, allowing more natural light by day and adding glamour at night. The restaurant’s intimacy is retained with its reconfigured table layout that includes new, curved banquettes and even four-seat booths. There are also more corner tables than before.
Three striking new pieces of art from Maggi Hambling, Damien Hirst and Ian Davenport dominate the rear of the dining room whilst some of the art remains from The Ivy’s past incarnation including works by Peter Blake, Eduardo Paolozzi and Barry Flanagan.
In the centre of the room, a dining bar that mirrors the triangular shape of the restaurant will stand proudly, seating twenty diners on bespoke pink leather and mohair bar stools. Upstairs, the first floor provides private dining for 60 people. The baby grand piano remains in place, but the bar has been greatly enhanced. Cocktails & canapés can be provided for 100.
The menu
Executive Chef Gary Lee has devised a menu that incorporates many of The Ivy’s classic dishes, but that now sits firmly in keeping with modern trends for lighter fare. Pictured above: Cheltenham beetroot, mint, creamed goat’s cheese, mixed seed biscuit.
New dishes on the menu include Raw & pickled vegetable salad with chia and citrus vinaigrette (£9.75); Corn-fed chicken breast with pumpkin pistou and mojo verde (£19); and Tossed salad of barbecued squid with chorizo, toasted quinoa & preserved lemon (£11.50). Lee’s signature Asian influences will be present in the form of Yellowtail tuna sashimi, pickled ginger, wasabi cucumber pearls (£14); and Togarashi popcorn rock shrimp with kewpie mayonnaise (£11.50).
New also is a section dedicated entirely to potatoes. Those who have a fondness for The Ivy’s more traditional stalwarts will not be disappointed, with staples such as Bang Bang chicken, peanuts & chilli (£9); the legendary Shepherd’s pie (£17.75); and The Ivy Hamburger (£14.75) – all still very much a focus of the menu.
For desserts, an old-school Knickerbocker Glory (£8.50) shows off a fun side, whilst more serious desserts like Amalfi lemon panna cotta with raspberry granita (£8) or Gooseberry and elderflower pie (£7.50) will adapt with the seasons and transform into modern classics.
Group wine buyer Richard Rotti has designed a wine list that combines old world favourites, alongside new world contemporaries, whilst Head Barman Darren Ball’s new cocktail list celebrates the history of the restaurant, incorporating iconic drinks from ‘The roaring twenties’ such as the Bee’s Knees (£10.50; Camomile-infused Beefeater gin, honey, apricot and lemon juice); and kitsch classics, like Pina Coladas and Strawberry Daiquiris.
The restaurant for Everyman!
Adored by many, with a special place in the hearts and minds of actors and the arts world in all its guises, the re-opening of The Ivy will herald a new era in the restaurant’s long and colourful history. Fernando Peire, Director of The Ivy (and Maître d’ during the ‘90s), comments: “To survive as long as it has, the restaurant has always had to remain relevant in order to appeal to the next generation. This has been achieved, I would say, through our young workforce, our enduringly appealing yet ever- changing menu and our sheer enthusiasm for what we do. Now we have the added bonus of a new interior and a fabulous bar. Some people use The Ivy to celebrate an all-important business deal, special anniversary or event; others for a regular catch-up with friends; some use it as their local canteen and might just pop in for a late bite and a Martini after theatre. We are, I hope, the restaurant for Everyman!”
The Ivy, 1-5 West Street, London, WC2H 9NQ
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