REVIEW: I used to be one of many first to attempt The Ivy’s inaugural Cheshire venue – and it did not disappoint.
I ate at one among Cheshire’s most star-studded hotspots – and it did not disappoint (Picture: Charlotte Giddings Pictures)
Cheshire is thought for its star-studded residents, from well-known footballers and to TV royalty. For me, it should at all times maintain a glimmer of nostalgia, studying the craft as a journalist whereas finding out at Chester College in my early 20s. So it was a little bit of a pinch-me second to return to the previous stomping floor, swapping out late-night burger joints for the swanky new movie star hotspot, The Ivy.
Final month, the purple (or ought to I say inexperienced) carpet was rolled out for the venue’s official opening. Friends included the Lord Mayor of Chester, Councillor Sherin Akhtar, and among the stars of The Actual Housewives of Cheshire.
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Our fantastic waitress Libby really useful the basic duck salad (Picture: Categorical)
And final week, I used to be one of many fortunate few who bought to dine on the luxurious restaurant to check out their new spring menu at their glamorous new venue on Newgate Avenue. Strolling into the eatery, you have been overwhelmed by opulence with the closely patterned plush furnishings, floral prints and glossy inexperienced and white tiles surrounding the marble-topped bar.
The placement oozed glitz and glamour, one thing The Ivy is thought for throughout their numerous places within the UK, with cosy sales space and bench seating preparations, embraced with heat lighting and basic decor serving as a quiet nod to its earlier connection as a theatrical establishment.
Their partitions have been embellished with shows of stone lions, stained glass and mirrored surfaces and an intricate geometric crown moulding on the ceilings. The terrace, which extends alongside the entrance of the constructing, is roofed by giant monikered parasols and is bursting with contemporary floral arrangements, making it inviting to any passersby.
Though identified for his or her movie star clientele, their spring menu is on the market to all, from lingering over lengthy lunches to celebrating particular events. Accompanied by my foodie fiancé, we have been escorted to a desk for 2 tucked away within the nook, giving us some privateness away from the hustle and bustle of the crowded eatery.
As we thumbed by way of the menu, we have been handled to a collection of their bespoke cocktails, choosing the toffee fudge espresso martini and the rhubarb and raspberry fizz because the designated driver for the night. And it is truthful to say they didn’t disappoint.
The mouthwatering martini added a sugary kick to your conventional night tipple, which was completely balanced by the wealthy kick of freshly brewed espresso. In the meantime, the non-alcoholic fizz introduced all of the enjoyable of a glowing glass of bubbles with none of the hangover.
After opening our style buds, it was time to get caught into the starters. Our fantastic waitress, Libby, really useful the basic crispy duck salad to begin, which we accompanied with the buffalo burrata salad with pesto.
The duck salad was a winner for a purpose. It introduced all of the fantastic flavours and textures of Asian delicacies collectively on one plate and definitely stuffed you up sufficient to take pleasure in as a fundamental. In the meantime, the burrata salad celebrated the scrumptious Italian cheese, with just some tomatoes and peppers to enhance the indulgent dish.
When you’ve got a candy tooth, the half-baked cookie is the proper factor to finish the night (Picture: Categorical)
Shifting on to the mains, my associate determined to splurge on the sirloin steak, which he teamed with a facet of triple-cooked chips and tenderstetm broccoli. In the meantime, I attempted out the plant-based asparagus, courgette and broad bean linguine, which completely complemented the lemon broccoli we shared.
The steak couldn’t be crushed, it was among the best we have had in a very long time and got here out precisely as ordered: medium uncommon. The juices oozed out as you chop into it and have been accompanied by a punchy grain mustard sauce, which wasn’t for the faint-hearted.
The linguini was a beautiful alternative for any vegans trying to stage up their restaurant recreation. It was wealthy and creamy and added a zingy kick from the white wine sauce, a lot so that you just did not even miss the dairy.
However for these wishing they might get a special sauce, worry not. It was accompanied by a country tomato sauce and chilli oil for purchasers trying to boost their night time. An overarching theme all through the menu is generosity; you’ll not depart their doorways feeling hungry.
The portion sizes will depart you loosening your belt and squeezing round tables a bit tougher than once you walked in, and that was actually the case with this pasta dish. To complete the night time up, we needed to get a candy deal with, and opted for his or her signature chocolate bombe and the half-baked cookie.
Categorical (Picture: Categorical)
In all honesty, we did not actually have room to slot in these desserts, however what are you able to do when the menu is screaming out to be picked up? The chocolate bombe is an absolute must-get for first-time clients.
It has all of the drama you need from a dessert: a basic chocolate dome hiding a scoop of vanilla ice cream and honeycomb, drizzled with scorching caramel sauce on prime. However for many who aren’t in a rush to depart, the half-baked cookie is the proper finish to the night.
Though it does take quarter-hour to bake, it was simply sufficient time to chill out from the primary two programs. The cookie oozed with chocolate as quickly as you tucked into it, and was complemented with a bourbon vanilla ice cream.
The A Style Of Spring set menu is on the market as two programs for £27.95 and as three programs for £32.95, making it the proper place to wine and dine as the hotter months roll in. The lunch menu can also be an possibility on the extra inexpensive facet, setting you again £17.95 for 2 programs or £22.95 for 3 between 11.30am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday.
Regardless of catering to the wealthy and well-known, this spot is on the market to all with costs that may’t be beat. A few of their dishes have landed a spot in my prime 5 of all time, and it is positively someplace I will be returning to this summer time.
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