What is the history of the Ivy Covent Garden?

The original restaurant was opened by Abel Giandolini in 1917 as an unlicensed Italian café in a building on the same site. Legend has it that the name itself originated from a chance remark by the actress Alice Delysia, who overheard Giandolini apologise to a customer for the inconvenience caused by building works.

Why is the Ivy restaurant so famous?

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden, The Ivy stands as a true icon of British dining. Since opening its doors in 1917, it has earned a reputation for impeccable service, timeless elegance, and a passion for exceptional food that continues to inspire generations of diners.

Which ivy is the original in London?

The Original Ivy, West End. The Original Ivy is a haven of style and unfaltering service that shows a dedication to food that has set the standard for British dining since its foundation in 1917.

How did the Ivy restaurant get its name?

We also tidied up the existing Ivy brand. The name itself originated from a chance remark by the actress Alice Delysia, who overheard Monsieur Abel apologise to a customer for the inconvenience caused by building works.

What celebrities have eaten at The Ivy?

Laurence Olivier, Marlene Dietrich and Dame Nellie Melba all ate there. Noël Coward was an habitue. It quickly became an institution. However, in 1947 Gallati left to breathe life into a struggling restaurant, Le Caprice, and in 1950 Giandellini sold The Ivy to Bernard Walsh of the Wheelers group.

Marking 100 years of The Ivy – BBC London News

Why does the Ivy have a 1917 menu?

The 1917 Menu pays homage to the restaurant's early roots with the dishes that started it all. The Ivy Menu has the signature harlequin stained glass design found at the original restaurant. Like all of The Ivy Restaurants, there's a small selection of recommended cocktail aperitifs and light bites for the table.

What is The Ivy restaurant known for?

Open since 1983, The Ivy is known for its historic significance to the LA food scene, popularity with celebrities, distinctive interiors, and its eclectic menu.

What chef owns The Ivy?

Richard Caring - Career guide

Six weeks later, after selling designer evening wear label Amanda Wakeley, Caring secured a £31.5m deal to take over Caprice Holdings, owner of The Ivy, Le Caprice and J Sheekey, as well as Italian restaurant Daphne’s, south east Asian restaurant Bam-Bou plus Pasha and The Collection.

Is The Ivy expensive?

Whether it's an afternoon gathering or the perfect start to your evening at the theatre, we promise a memorable dining experience. Price for two courses is £28.95 and three courses £34.95 per person. T&Cs: Available Monday to Friday only, between 11:30pm and 6pm and again from 9:30pm until close.

Who is the head chef at The Ivy in London?

North London-born Gary Lee has been with The Ivy since 2007, and became executive chef in 2011. He lives in Walthamstow with his partner Megs and their three girls. He boxes three times a week and is a keen cyclist.

Is there a dress code for The Ivy?

The Ivy Club dress code is smart casual (smart, tailored shorts are permitted in summer).

Is The Ivy considered posh?

“Yes, very posh.” “On a scale of one to ten, how posh?” “Ooh, that's tricky. Once upon a time, I'd have said it was a nine or even a ten.

What is the famous dish in The Ivy?

Main Courses. For the main course, I opted for The Ivy's most famous dish: Shepherd's Pie.

Do celebrities go to The Ivy?

The Ivy Restaurant is one of London's famous restaurants. However, this has more to do with the celebrity clientele than the food that is served! The Ivy is famous for being the place in London for celebrities to go if they want to see and be seen.

Who owns The Ivy?

Richard Caring owns up to 50% of The Ivy group, alongside other investors including former Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani. The group remains focused on strategic investment and growth opportunities, with 2024 financial statements due later this year.

How much is Christmas dinner at The Ivy?

Celebrate at The Ivy this festive season. Enjoy two courses for £55 or three for £60, and delight in our show-stopping Christmas dishes, amongst our other Ivy classic dishes. To perfectly complement these festive delights, enjoy our curated fine wine selection or festive cocktails, crafted with seasonal flavours.

How much is afternoon tea at The Ivy in London?

Afternoon Tea is served every day from 3pm to 4.45pm and costs £32.95 per person, or £42.95 with a glass of Champagne.

How much is The Ivy worth?

Richard Caring 'close to £1bn sale of Ivy chain to private equity group' Richard Caring and fellow shareholders are reportedly close to selling the Ivy chain of restaurants for £1bn to a little-known private equity group.

Which restaurants does Jeremy King own?

He created some of London's most iconic restaurants with his former business partner Chris Corbin, including The Ivy, Le Caprice and The Wolseley. In 2024 Jeremy King reincarnated Le Caprice as Arlington to great acclaim, and his latest venture is the all-day restaurant The Park.

Is The Ivy only in London?

The Ivy Restaurant sites: The Ivy collection has sites in London and across England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Do you have to tip at The Ivy?

A discretionary service charge is added to all guest bills. 100% of the Service Charge and tips received are passed onto our employees in accordance with the Allocation of Tips Act 2023.

Can you take pictures in The Ivy?

Photo: The Ivy, forbidden to take photos inside

Over-priced with not great service. The staff made you feel like a star! Me and my friend went to The Ivy last sunday evening, at 9:30 pm, we only booked about two weeks ahead. reading some very bad reviews we didn`t know what to expect, but we had a wonderful evening!

Does The Ivy accept walk-ins?

We keep a number of tables unreserved every day for those spur-of-the-moment walk-ins. Either way, you'll find a warm welcome, delicious food, incredible cocktails and friendly, knowledgeable service.