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What is 'following'?Restaurant: Modern European
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Time Out says Rate it
Any A-listers seem to have shipped upstairs to the Ivy's members club, covertly entered via the florist next door. The restaurant itself might boast old-world allure - bottle-green carpets abut oak-panelled walls, and there's a pretty perimeter of stained-glass windows - but the crowd these days seems to consists largely of wayfarers and gawkers, attracted by the exclusive reputation, but given slightly short shrift with squeezed-in tables and narrow time slots.
A top-hatted doorman ensures a majestic entrance and - a nice touch - a copyof The Times is proffered to anyone waiting alone for others in their party. Yet there's something of the assembly line about the operation: Gary Lee's menu of stalwarts, such as Bannockburn rib steak, barnsley lamb chop and corn-fed chicken breast, is duplicated with reliable efficiency and plays safe almost every step of the way. Shepherd's pie and sticky toffee pudding hint at boarding school days of yesteryear.
Dishes are almost impossible to dislike, but equally tricky to love. The Ivy thrives on meeting expectations, not challenging them. Tables are as hotly sought after as ever, though - you may find most success around 5.30pm or 10pm.
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The Ivy details
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What is 'following'?020 7836 4751
Meals served noon-11pm Mon-Sat, noon-10pm Sun
Main courses £6.75-£34.50. Set meal (4-6pm, 10-11pm Mon-Wed; noon-6pm Sun) £21.75 2 courses, £26.25 3 courses. Cover £2
Credit cards AmEx, DC, MC, V
Facilities
Babies and children welcome ( high chairs ), Booking essential ( 4-6 wks in advance ), Separate room for parties ( seats 60 ), Vegan dishes, Vegetarian menuThe Ivy map
Restaurants & cafés near The Ivy
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See all bars & pubs near The IvyComments & ratings
Dinner at 6PM on 1 January:
Ceasar salad consisting of 80% iceberg lettuce and 20% cos lettuce. Without quibble it was taken back and replaced by a 100% cos version.
A chicory, pear and fennel salad came without the fennel. Sent back, and fennel was added.
The double espresso was served in a cup so large it could have contained another 4 double espressos.
I would not call this modern european cuisine, but British.
Overall, nice food, but not living up to our/the expectations, and most certainly not a justified price level.
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