 A yummy dinner 
The Ivy - Not just for the Rich and Posh
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Recommendation added: 06/11/2006 21:28
By: velvet202 (YSUK rating +187)velvet202 has been thanked 12 times for this contribution
"Restaurants come and go. And so does their reputation. Today one may be rubbing elbows with a celebrity clientele, tomorrow the owner be hoping to get some of the McDonald's crowd from next door.
London's The Ivy is probably one of the few restaurants that has survived the constant change of taste and preferences of our generation as it has not only kept its name for many years, but is still being mentioned in many a contemporary novel, restaurant review and in context with A- to C-list celebrities. Having been there, I can see why.
Dark polished walls and wooden floors make this place a more clubby experience than a romantic place to propose. The rooms are always full, the clientele like to chatter into their mobile phones and one is very likely to spot some famous faces sitting well hidden in the darker corners, or the 'hip' tables as one might like to call them due to the fact that they're always seem to be booked by the one or other celebrity. But the celebrity spotting is not the reason why this restaurant is the most famous one in London.
The atmosphere is very simple, yet posh. The tables are tall with white starched linen tablecloth and a single small vase with fresh flowers. At the bar, which is situated near the entrance, all drinks are complimented by free green olives and roasted almonds to savour before enjoying the meal.
The food is varied and ranges from very sophisticated sounding foreign delicacies such as Kedgeree to the good old British beef pie, although it will probably be served to look like a foreign delicacy too. In spite of its reputation and the fact that it's very hard to get a table here (based on your social status, you can expect to need to make a reservation up to several months in advance), the prices are surprisingly low. A starter such as Vegetable Tempura costs only £4.50 and a main course can come as cheap as £9. The portions are decent sizes compared to other 'posh' restaurants that seem to like to thing that everyone likes to pay exorbitant prices for supermodel portions. The dessert menu is very varied and offers various soufflés, tarts, ice creams and puddings. The wine menu is excellent and will flatter any connoisseur's good taste.
Having read much about posh restaurants' arrogant staff, I was very surprised how professionally exquisite the service was. The waiter was very chatty, but not irritating, knowing, but not pushy. He made ordering very easy and the whole experience a delight that I would recommend this restaurant to anybody who wishes to have a great night out in a relaxed atmosphere accompanied by great food and the feeling that one is valued as a customer.
The dress code is smart casual, although it is highly advisable to turn up more smartly dressed than casual to avoid feeling out of place.
The Ivy is located within Leicester Square, in the heart of London, and very close to the tube station and all excellent theatres and cinemas in the area. It is open every day. Lunch is served from Mondays to Saturdays from 12 to 3pm, and Sunday from 12 to 4pm. Dinner is served daily from 5.30pm to midnight.
Address:
The Ivy
1-5 West Street
London
WC2H 9NQ
Tel.: 020 7836 4751
Fax.: 020 7240 9333"
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