Swish digs, buzzing see-and-be-seen atmosphere and menu designed to please any palate makes this Marylebone addition to The Ivy portfolio and the smart-casual choice for frequent flyers of the Central London dining scene.
Ladies who lunch, power lunch business compadres, friends celebrating milestones with low key lunchtime celebrations –The Ivy Café on Marylebone Lane seemed the sort of place perfect for a certain level of special occasion lunching (during my visit anyway). Yeah, I was eavesdropping on the tables round me in this elegant (if rather shoulder-to-shoulder) dining room. But I reckon that’s what those folks were all up to as well – and that a bit of snooping with your supping was an important part of a meal at this upscale eatery. As for myself, I was there to play catch up with a long-time-no-see-colleague and to that end proved a great choice.
Another important aspect – as at any restaurant – would be to enjoy the food and drink. And, in that department, The Ivy Café delivered.
Cocktails were an especially tasty way to kick things off. The Garden of the Abbey (with elderflower vodka, cucumber, apple, lime, sparkling cider, £9.25) was deceptively mild mannered but undeniably potent. A Negroni tasting set (ranging from fruity to light to delicate and herbal and rich and punchy, £9) provided some mmm worthy talking points.
Apple and Stilton salad (shaved apple, hazelnuts, golden raisins and celery with a Stilton dressing, £5.95) was a healthy treat of a starter while chicken Milanese (brioche crumbed chicken with fried egg, salad and a tad of black truffle, £15.75) brought umph to the table.
A bottle of house Grenache pleased perfectly with the choice of dishes. Cherry pannacotta (with kirsch macerated cheeries, £6.50) was a pleasant bite, and service was swift.
The Ivy Café is located at 96 Marylebone Lane, W1U 2QA. Find out more at theivycafemarylebone.com.
