Last Updated on May 28, 2024
The Ivy Soho Brasserie A Christmas Extravaganza – Festive Dining with The Ivy Collection
The festive season is truly upon us and The Ivy Collection knows just how to celebrate it in style. This Christmas they have installed a charming family of polar bears dressed in jazzy Christmas jumpers at all of the The Ivy Collection restaurants spanning from Glasgow to London. I went along to The Ivy Brasserie Soho for dinner to try their festive menu, greeted, of course, by a friendly polar bear at the door. Inside was buzzing with a lively Soho crowd, creating an atmosphere that seamlessly blended glamour with a hint of decadence.
Decorated in warm hues of burnt orange, with walls decked with pop art and mirrors, a beautifully tiled floor and at its centre a dazzling bar. Art Deco globe lights illuminate the surroundings, tables are adorned with crisp white linen tablecloths and green plants and leafy print upholstered chairs add a botanical touch. And to add to the festive spirit a sparkling Christmas tree.
The staff were friendly and attentive, we were especially well looked after by Charlotte, who brought us an enticing glass of Nyetimber English sparkling wine – crisp and elegant with notes of brioche and honey – setting the evening off to a great start. The dinner menu comes with top-class Christmas crackers and three courses all for just £55.
We began with a delectable twice-baked stilton and walnut cheese soufflé bathed in a velvety cream sauce. This indulgent creation, rich and ethereally light, carried a delightful infusion of walnut essence, resulting in a cheesy mouthful of irresistible moreishness.
The Severn & Wye smoked salmon, treated to The Ivy 1917 Cure, was impeccably thinly sliced and presented with a side of lemon, accompanied by a serving of fabulous seedy dark rye.
We were keen to try the cocktails from the holiday season drinks menu. Gin-gle-Bells was a playful combination of Monkey47 Gin, passionfruit, lime, cranberry and prosecco topped with a bright blue cotton candy snowball! I also tried the non-alcoholic Festive Citrus Sparkler, a fruity combination of Everleaf Forest, blood orange shrub, passion fruit, and soda. It would be the perfect way to enjoy a cocktail without alcohol.
For mains, I threw myself into the christmas spirit with a comforting and hearty confit of goose and turkey shepherd’s pie with the must-have pigs in blankets and topped with smooth mashed potatoes and a rich warm gravy.
My companion savoured a generously portioned dish of pan-fried Moroccan-style salmon, perfectly cooked, complemented by lightly smoked aubergine, green beans, almonds, and a flavourful mildly spiced sauce. On the side fresh and green, garden peas, broad beans and baby shoots.
For dessert, I succumbed to the allure of the traditional Christmas pudding, theatrically flambéed at the table and luxuriously soaked in spirits. Meanwhile, my companion indulged in the festive crème brûlée – a creamy, rich delight crowned with a sweet winter berry compote and accompanied by buttery shortbread.
Finally, some mince pies, my first of the season, and they were delicious. Cute crumbly buttery pastry parcels filled with moist and flavoursome mincemeat topped with slithers of candied orange peel, these, along with a cup of black coffee made the ideal end to our lovely meal.
Whether you’re a devoted enthusiast of The Ivy Collection or have yet to experience its charm, their Festive menu offers a delightful opportunity to celebrate the season with your partner, family, or friends.
The Ivy Collection Festive Menus Available until 3 January 2024
Festive Breakfast Set Menu – Available from 8:30 am until 11 am daily for £16.95 per person* The Daytime Set Menu is served daily from 11:30 am until 6:30 pm with 2 courses for £50 or 3 courses for £55.
The Evening Set Menu is served daily from 6:30 pm until -close with 3 courses for £55. *Please note, that set menu prices may vary between restaurants.
Polar Bear Afternoon Tea – Available daily at selected locations between 3 pm-5 pm, from £29.95 per person.
The Ivy Soho Brasserie
26-28 Broadwick St
Soho
London
W1F 8JB
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