The Ivy Club

The Ivy Club, whilst sitting so close in proximity to its older sister, has its own menu, kitchens and Chef. Adam Sutton is the Head Chef at the Club, having previously undertaken an apprenticeship in the kitchens of The United Oxford and Cambridge University Club in Pall Mall London, before joining The Ivy team in 2002 as Demi Chef de Partie. He worked his way up to Senior Sous Chef, under Executive Chef, Gary Lee, and then in April 2013, was promoted to Head Chef at The Ivy Club.

Our visit to The Ivy Club took place on a weekday evening in early April. On arrival, we took a table in the Piano Bar. This Art- Deco inspired space provides a comfortable meeting place for the Club’s members at all times of the day, but takes on a different ‘vibe’ from the afternoon until late at night. There is a resident pianist and, twice weekly, jazz and blues trios entertain in the bar.

We got ourselves comfortable with a drinks menu, close to the mirrored bar, and chose from an impressive array of beautifully presented cocktails. Our appetite well and truly whetted, we moved upstairs to our table in the Drawing Room. This is a beautiful oak-panelled room, lined with book cases and comfortably furnished with high-backed leather arm chairs and banquettes. The low lighting sets the mood; this is unmistakably a place to relax and kick back after the stresses of the day. A place to sink into the soft leather chairs, browsing your way through the array of carefully selected books (chosen to reflect members’ interests in art, literature, film, theatre, architecture and design), whilst enjoying a plate of something delicious.

Starters

To start, I enjoyed Seared Scallops in the shell with smoked lardo, cauliflower and hazelnuts (£17.50). My wife ordered Tempura Prawns with chilli and sesame spiced mayo (£13). The perfectly crisp, fresh batter (I obviously had to sample one), highlighted to us, that the ones we have, on occasion, ordered from a local takeaway really aren’t comparable to these in taste and quality!

For the main course, I opted for The Ivy’s most famous dish: Shepherd’s Pie. This most traditional of English meals comes with peas and carrots, and a delicious, crunchy cheese topping (£19.75). This is my idea of comfort food at its best, bringing back all the associated memories of childhood suppers, and school dinners, although it has to be said The Ivy’s version is pretty sublime in comparison. My wife opted for the whole Dover Sole (£42). This can be grilled or meunie`re - she opted for the latter, and found it beautifully light and buttery. We both shared fries (£4.50), saute´ed green beans with biquinhi peppers and crisp onions (£4.75) and steamed purple sprouting broccoli with gremolata (£5).

Other main courses included Bannockburn Rib Eye, Seared Sea Bass, Crisp Pork Belly & BBQ Spiced Cheek, and Murgh Mumtaz Mahal with pilau rice and poori. There is a separate Vegetarian Menu offering dishes such as: Spaghetti Pomodoro (vg) with tomato, basil and pine nuts (£11.25), Red Dragon Pie (vg) (£16.50) and Baked Macaroni Cheese (v) (£7.50).

For dessert, I ordered the Chocolate and Passion Fruit Fondant with cre`me fraiche (£9). My wife opted for the Pistachio Cre`me Bru^le´e with Gariguette Strawberries (£9) - considering this would not have been her first choice, given that she was going chocolate-free for Lent, she declared it absolutely delicious and was pleased that she had been pushed out of her “chocolate dessert comfort zone” for once!

Our evening at The Ivy Club surpassed our expectations. It is not hard to see why this restaurant is so renowned for its food and atmosphere, making it one of the essential places to dine in London. If you want to visit to experience this for yourself, please note that reservations are essential.