The Ivy

Second time at the Ivy. Worth every Penny. Very attentive service. Great food. Great wine selection. We'll be back.
5 7 years ago (14-10-2017)

Third time at the Ivy and this is the worst experience. I chose it to celebrate my birthday . The table is crammed in between two others either side so nil privacy, you are sitting at someone else's elbow! The waiter was useless, unprofessional, stretched across several people at different tables to ours to get things off the table ( hasn't he been taught to work from the left only? Apparently not!) He tried to get me to taste the wine while I was ordering our meal with another suited waiter and then tried to pour it to my wife before I had given the OK. I was really looking forward to the experience but ended up wishing I had gone elsewhere. The food when it came (50 minute wait for chicken) was good but the whole ambience was ruined. Sadly as with many places, it is complacent and with plenty of people wishing to see what it is like they will assume it is doing a good enough job. I for one will not be returning and will be passing on the word to my friends not to bother. Poor!
2 7 years ago (01-09-2017)

Beware of hidden charges! We dined there last night a party of 4. When presented with the bill, there were several "extras" which we were not expecting. Firstly, there was a £8 cover charge. When I questioned this I was told that this was to cover the cost of ( wait for it) the bread, cutlery & table cloth & napkins! Unbelievable, I have never heard such tosh in all of my life! In addition, they added a £25 tip (12.5% of the bill ) which I could not see any mention of anywhere on the menu? Finally, we felt that the wine list is deliberately confusing. Whilst choosing from the white wine selection, they only show the prices of a glass or half bottle carafe. Although they sell by the bottle, these prices are not shown. So our £30 bottle of Chablis ended up costing £60! The food was tasty but overpriced & very scanty & service was average. Decor very plush. Will not be returning here next time we visit the West End!
2 7 years ago (22-10-2017)

Nice place, good service, but food! I am not sure if it worth the money they charge. We went there four of us on Sunday early evening. We were told that two main dishes from the menu ran out. Not many chices left to order. And finally non of us were satisfied with our foods. Would I go again? I don't think so. 3 out 5 what I would give.
3 7 years ago (22-08-2017)

Maybe my expectations were too high but I expected far better service than I received. The staff were courteous however some seemed a little confused by the task almost like they were new to the job.. The main issue was having the main course brought out a few minutes after the starter an within 22 minutes of being seated.. In their defence, they did take it away and cook fresh meals to be served at a more reasonable pace. The food itself was acceptable and desert, we had the sharing baked alaska, was pretty good, although a little alcoholic. Not sure I will be hurrying back.
3 8 years ago (30-04-2017)