The Ivy...

[The GMan]

Any good?

The wife and I are looking at houses this week around Surrey/Berks and I said I would take her into London for lunch on Saturday and she wants to go here. I had heard food was OK, but that it was going down hill a bit but she still wants to go.

[Luke.]

Not sure you'll get a table on Saturday - bit short notice.

And re 'any good?', it's not bad.

[The GMan]

Luke. said:

Not sure you'll get a table on Saturday - bit short notice.

And re 'any good?', it's not bad.

I thought that but I reserved one earlier this morning, they had about 5 slots available between 12-1.30pm. I have to confirm 48 hours prior, so have plenty of time to cancel.

[ascayman]

if you’re taking her into London for a treat why not take her to a nice restaurant? there are loads to choose from the ivy's not really one of them though.

[Stig]

What sort of cuisine are you after?

[Fidgits]

not really - i took the Mrs here for her birthday - food was good, but not as good as it should have been - i have had as good meals for half the price.

£140 for 2 of us, starters, mains and drinks.

[The GMan]

This is exactly what I have heard about the place, over-priced, not as good since it was taken over etc..

I know a few other places as I'm in London a lot through work, but she has got it into her head about here for some reason.

I've never been to Roast and really fancied there for a change or maybe the Cinnimon Club.

Need to persuade her, and try and find somewhere that's been in fking Grazia!

[The GMan]

Stig said:

What sort of cuisine are you after?

Anything, and somewhere a bit interesting too.

[abz]

The GMan said:

Stig said:

What sort of cuisine are you after?

Anything, and somewhere a bit interesting too.

Maze (Grovesnor Square) or Wolsley (Picadilly) both worth a try for lunch...

[ascayman]

try corrigan's in mayfair, or for something a bit different take her to China Tang at the dorchester

[Romanymagic]

Cannot recommend Roast enough in Borough Market (does a fantastic breakfast too).

The Ivy is not very good, I have been on a number of occasions (even back in the day when there was a 3 month waiting list) and the food is distinctly average.

Alternatively you could try Bonds Restaurant and Bar over near Bank, or also nearby is Mercers which is quite nice and excellent service, or how about Plateau up by Canary Wharf?

[CraigW]

where in surrey are you looking matey?

[Zod]

I think the Ivy is crap.

[Zod]

My favourite restaurant in London at the moment is the Ledbury in Notting Hill. In the centre, you can't really beat the Square.

[Bullett]

You know you are looking at at least an hour each way, we normally allow 2 if we need to be in town at a specific time and we live in what I would assume is the general area you are looking (Berks/Hamps/Surrey border).

[Windsorphil]

The Ivy is fine, good for lunch and seeing the occasional celeb. Last time I was in there- 6 months or so ago (when I had a corporate job and people took me out to lunch) I saw John Cleese. I like Bentley's, a Corrigan restaurant and Maze is excellent. Also J.Sheeky is fine for a fun lunch. There's a good restaurant on top of the national gallery on trafalgar square, great views. Borough market is good if you're a foodie - there's an excellent tapas bar just on the edge which is very good and very busy.

Do you want good food or people watching?

[Kindersley]

To go to a restaurant and gawp at celebs must rank as about as common as it gets....
Let them eat their food in peace !! The IVY tends to be about 'them them them" rather than "you . me or us ". Go and eat the best food you can and then buy a "hello" magazine for the GF etc

[Pferdestarke]

I went for my 24th birthday. That was five years ago however, and I think it has changed ownership since. I was easily impressed back then and my scallops and steak were some of the best I'd eaten.

Looking back, it's a classic case of trading on reputation and was certainly not worth the money.

How about Pearl? Some of the most stunning food created by a very, very talented Jun Tannaka. http://www.pearl-restaurant.com/

[The GMan]

CraigW said:

where in surrey are you looking matey?

We are looking at a few places around Epsom, Kingston upon Thames and in Berks, Sunningdale and Windsor.

[The GMan]

Bullett said:

You know you are looking at at least an hour each way, we normally allow 2 if we need to be in town at a specific time and we live in what I would assume is the general area you are looking (Berks/Hamps/Surrey border).

Yep, I have had to commute to and from these regions many times in the past and fully appreciate how long it can take to travel into the West End/City and the Wharf.