The Ivy

An establishment that trades heavily on its aesthetics and Instagram appeal, but completely fails to deliver on culinary substance or basic hospitality management. Despite a bill exceeding £120 for two people, the food was remarkably bland and lacked any real depth. The Spicy Avocado Purée, the Tossed Asian Salad, and the Asparagus, Courgette, and Broad Bean Linguine all suffered from uninspired, flat execution. When a venue charges premium prices, the flavor profile must justify the cost, here, it fell entirely short. Operationally, the table management is highly flawed. I booked a table for two at least three weeks in advance and explicitly communicated it was for a birthday. Instead of accommodating this, we were seated in the middle of a high-traffic walkway directly next to the rear doors, subjecting us to a constant, uncomfortable draft for the duration of the meal. The only redeeming factor of this venue is the serving staff, who were genuinely friendly, polite, and tried their best under the circumstances. If you are looking for a floral backdrop for photos, this venue serves its purpose. If you are looking for a high-quality dining experience that respects your capital and special occasions, look elsewhere.