The Ivy
A West End tent-pole since 1917, with guests ranging from Coward to Cumberbatch, this is where London thespians pretend to slum it, lifting hamburgers alongside cognac beneath its iconic wood paneling and harlequin mullioned windows. At its sumptuous flatiron bar, you may spot celebrities (try after 9pm), but you’re more likely to be among tourists like yourself. The menu of Ivy classics (shepherd’s pie, fish and chips) has been embellished with Asian-ish notions (crispy duck salad, Bang Bang chicken with peanut chili sauce), and the music might be the likes of Sisters Love or Candi Staton, which only accentuates the bohemian posture. There are licensed versions of The Ivy spreading around town, but this is where the original has been planted since World War I. Lunch and pre-theatre set menus are often available or around £30.
A West End tent-pole since 1917, with guests ranging from Coward to Cumberbatch, this is where London thespians pretend to slum it, lifting hamburgers alongside cognac beneath its iconic wood paneling and harlequin mullioned windows. At its sumptuous flatiron bar, you may spot celebrities (try after 9pm), but you’re more likely to be among tourists like yourself. The menu of Ivy classics (shepherd’s pie, fish and chips) has been embellished with Asian-ish notions (crispy duck salad, Bang Bang chicken with peanut chili sauce), and the music might be the likes of Sisters Love or Candi Staton, which only accentuates the bohemian posture. There are licensed versions of The Ivy spreading around town, but this is where the original has been planted since World War I. Lunch and pre-theatre set menus are often available or around £30.
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